Religious Studies at Queen's College is an integral part of the life of the school, which has a Christian Methodist foundation and is one of sixteen Methodist schools in Great Britain and Ireland.

A fundamental part of the curriculum, the study of religion, helps all pupils gain awareness, tolerance and understanding. There is no doubt that one of the reasons why pastoral care is so strong at Queen’s is because teaching Religious Studies, Ethics and Philosophy helps pupils respect other people as well as themselves, understand and appreciate different viewpoints and work together as a community for the good of the School.

The department has two large teaching rooms and makes good use of a variety of tools for teaching, including video, interactive white board, DVD and PowerPoint presentations. We make extensive use of religious artefacts, particularly in Years 7 and 8.

Outside the classroom there is a Christian Union society and the Chaplain runs annual Confirmation classes. Assemblies are generally Christian in content, there is an annual carol service at Temple Methodist Church, and boarders who would like to can attend a variety of different churches on Sundays. There are often other informal events featuring on the School’s calendar which aid religious understanding.

Year 10 Overview

Religion, Philosophy and Ethics in the modern world from a Christian perspective – OCR GCSE 9-1

Topic 1

Relationships and Families

• Relationships
• Men and Women
• Christian understanding of Equality
• Revision

Topic 2

The Existence of God

• The question of God
• The nature of Reality
• Experiencing God
• Revision

Topic 3

Religion, Peace and Conflict

• Violence and Conflict
• Peace and Peacemaking
• Forgiveness and Reconciliation
• Revision

Topic 4

Dialogue within and between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes

• Challenges for Religion
• Dialogue within and between religious groups
• Dialogue within and between religious and non-religious groups
• Revision

 Year 11 Overview

OCR GSCE 9-1 Christianity and Islam

Christianity

Topic 1 - Beliefs and Teachings

• The nature of God
• The concept of a God as a Trinity of persons
• Biblical accounts of Creation
• The problem of evil and suffering and a loving and righteous God
• Jesus Christ
• The incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension
• The concept of salvation
• Eschatological beliefs and teachings

Topic 2 - Practices

• Worship
• Sacraments
• Prayer
• The role and importance of pilgrimage
• Celebrations
• The role of the Church in the local community and living practices
• Mission
• The role of the Church in the wider world
• Revision

Islam

Topic 1 - Beliefs and Teachings

• Core beliefs
• Nature of Allah
• Prophethood [Risalah]
• Book [Kutub]
• Angels [Malaikah]
• Eschatological beliefs
• Life after death [Akhirah]

Topic 2 - Practices

• The importance of practices
• Public acts of worship
• Private acts of worship
• Zakah
• Sawm
• Hajj
• Festivals and special days
• Jihad
• Revision