Religious Studies

Curriculum Plan – Religious Education

Intent  Religious Education gives students the knowledge and understanding of a range of religious and non-religious worldviews and the ability to be able to critically engage with those views to prepare pupils for life in a culturally diverse modern world. Students will gain an appreciation for how these worldviews have impacted the world they live in at a local, national and global level. We aim to encourage enthusiasm for interest in the study of other people’s beliefs and promote mutual respect, tolerance and understanding across different cultures and communities.

Year 7

Subject Content

Homework and Assessments

Subject Skills and 21^st Century Soft Skills

Lesson 1

Introduction to Islam

Table talk – Discuss the statement ‘Zakah is the most important of the 5 pillars’

Knowledge and understanding of the key concepts of Islam eg. Tawid and the characteristics of Islam.

Citizenship – understanding why it is important to study Islam as the fastest growing global religion.

Critical thinking – understanding the 99 names of Allah

Lesson 2

The 5 pillars of Islam – What are the 5 pillars of Islam and what impact do they have on the lives of Muslims?

Knowledge and understanding of the 5 pillars of Islam and their importance to Muslims

Critical thinking -  Evaluating the importance of the 5 pillars for Muslims

Communication – Discussing the importance of the 5 pillars of Islam   

Lesson 3

Hajj – What is the religious significance of the Hajj?  

Knowledge and understanding of Hajj

Citizenship – respecting the importance of Hajj to Muslims

Lesson 4

The Quran – what are the holy books of Islam and how important is the Quran?

Knowledge and understanding the range of holy texts used by Muslims and explaining why the Quran is a source of authority

Critical thinking – asking questions about the holy texts, comparing those used by other religions

Lesson 5

Ramadan and Eid – what is the importance of Ramadan and how is Eid celebrated?

Knowledge and understanding of the holy month of Ramadan and the celebration of eid-ul-fitr

Citizenship – considering the impact of fasting on Muslims

Growth mindset – considering the problems Muslims may face during Ramadan

Lesson 6

Sunni and Shi’te – why are there different groups of Muslims?

Microsoft Forms assessment – 10 multiple choice questions assessing key terms and ideas studied.

Knowledge and understanding of the cause of the divide in Islam and its impact on believers

Communication – considering the meaning behind the division in Islam

Citizenship – considering issues caused by the divide in Islam

Lesson 7

The Mosque – how important is the mosque to prayer in Islam?

Knowledge and understanding of the mosque in relation to Jummah

Critical thinking – evaluating the importance of the mosque

Curriculum Plan – Religious Education

Intent  Religious Education gives students the knowledge and understanding of a range of religious and non-religious worldviews and the ability to be able to critically engage with those views to prepare pupils for life in a culturally diverse modern world. Students will gain an appreciation for how these worldviews have impacted the world they live in at a local, national and global level. We aim to encourage enthusiasm for interest in the study of other people’s beliefs and promote mutual respect, tolerance and understanding across different cultures and communities.

Year 8

Subject Content

Homework and Assessments

Subject Skills and 21^st Century Soft Skills

Lesson 1

Introduction to Buddhism

Table talk – discuss the statement ‘If you had no desire you would no longer suffer’

Knowledge and understanding of the main concepts of Buddhism

Critical thinking – generating questions about Buddhism and looking at where it is practised globally

Lesson 2

The 5 precepts and the 8 eightfold path

Knowledge and understanding of the 5 precepts and the noble eightfold path

Citizenship – considering whether the middle way leads to a better life.

Critical thinking – evaluating whether the eightfold path would lead to a better life

Lesson 3

Karma and Samsara

Knowledge and understanding of the meaning of karma and the wheel of samsara

Critical thinking – considering the link between karma and samsara

Growth mindset – looking at the challenges of karma and samsara

Lesson 4

Vihara

Knowledge and understanding of vihara

Citizenship – considering how collective meditation impacts a Buddhist

Critical thinking – critically assessing life as a monk

Lesson 5

Wesak

Knowledge and understanding of Wesak and how it is celebrated

Citizenship – considering worldwide celebrations

Critical thinking – comparing celebrations worldwide

Lesson 6

Different groups of Buddhists

Microsoft Forms assessment – 10 multiple choice questions assessing key terms and ideas studied.

Knowledge and understanding of different groups of Buddhist followers

Critical thinking – assessing reasons for division within Buddhism

Lesson 7

Living as a Buddhist

 Knowledge and understanding of living as a Buddhist

Growth mindset – considering the challenges faced by people living as a Buddhist

Critical thinking – evaluating the Buddhist way of life

Curriculum Plan – Religious Education

Intent  Religious Education gives students the knowledge and understanding of a range of religious and non-religious worldviews and the ability to be able to critically engage with those views to prepare pupils for life in a culturally diverse modern world. Students will gain an appreciation for how these worldviews have impacted the world they live in at a local, national and global level. We aim to encourage enthusiasm for interest in the study of other people’s beliefs and promote mutual respect, tolerance and understanding across different cultures and communities.

Year 9

Subject Content

Homework and Assessments

Subject Skills and 21^st Century Soft Skills

Lesson 1

Drugs and religion  

Table talk – discuss the statement ‘If the quality of life is not going to be good, abortion is the best option’

Knowledge and understanding of the religious perspective on taking drugs

Communication – considering our own views and the views of others.

Critical thinking – evaluating religious and non-religious views and linking them to the belief on the sanctity of life

Lesson 2

Medical Ethics

Knowledge and understanding of the religious perspective on medical ethics including transplant surgery and IVF

Communication – considering our own views and the views of others.

Critical thinking – evaluating religious and non-religious views and linking them to the belief on the sanctity of life

Lesson 3

Abortion

Knowledge and understanding of what abortion is and the legalities surrounding abortion.

Communication – considering our own views and the views of others.

Lesson 4

Religious responses to abortion

 Knowledge and understanding of the religious perspective on abortion

Communication – considering our own views and the views of others.

Critical thinking – evaluating religious and non-religious views and linking them to the belief on the sanctity of life

Lesson 5

Euthanasia

 Knowledge and understanding of the religious perspective on Euthanasia

Communication – considering our own views and the views of others.

Critical thinking – evaluating religious and non-religious views and linking them to the belief on the sanctity of life

Lesson 6

Death penalty

Microsoft Forms assessment – 10 multiple choice questions assessing key terms and ideas studied.

Knowledge and understanding of the religious perspective on the death penalty

Communication – considering our own views and the views of others.

Critical thinking – evaluating religious and non-religious views and linking them to the belief on the sanctity of life

Lesson 7

Cloning

Knowledge and understanding of the religious perspective on taking cloning

Communication – considering our own views and the views of others.

Critical thinking – evaluating religious and non-religious views and linking them to the belief on the sanctity of life

Curriculum Plan – Religious Education

Intent  Religious Education gives students the knowledge and understanding of a range of religious and non-religious worldviews and the ability to be able to critically engage with those views to prepare pupils for life in a culturally diverse modern world. Students will gain an appreciation for how these worldviews have impacted the world they live in at a local, national and global level. We aim to encourage enthusiasm for interest in the study of other people’s beliefs and promote mutual respect, tolerance and understanding across different cultures and communities.

Year 10

Subject Content

Homework and Assessments

Subject Skills and 21^st Century Soft Skills

Lesson 1

The afterlife and judgement  

Revision for year 10 mocks

Knowledge and understanding of Christian beliefs on the afterlife and judgement

Critical thinking – making the connections between behaviour in this life and what will happen in the afterlife

Lesson 2

Heaven and Hell

Year 10 mock exam – Students will be assessed on

• Religion, relationships and the family
• Religion, human rights and social justice
• Christianity: Beliefs and teachings

Knowledge and understanding of heaven, hell, and purgatory

Critical thinking – evaluating arguments for and against heaven and hell

Lesson 3

Sin and Salvation

Knowledge and understanding of sin and salvation, and the role of Christ in salvation

Critical thinking – making connections between the original sin and sin and Jesus’s role in salvation  

Lesson 4

Year 10 Mock Feedback

Assess performance in the year 10 mock exams. Consider strengths, weakness and areas for development

Growth mindset – Considering personal strengths and weaknesses and setting necessary targets for improvement.

Lesson 5

Crime and Punishment

Knowledge and understanding of what crime and punishment are and define good and evil intentions

Lesson 6

Reasons for crime, attitudes to law breakers and different types of crime

Explain two reasons why people commit crimes

knowledge and understanding of why people commit crimes

Citizenship – considering the reasons why people commit crimes 

Lesson 7

Aims of punishment and the treatment of criminals

Knowledge and understanding of the aims of punishment and the treatment of criminals

Citizenship – considering challenges in the treatment of criminals

Growth mindset – evaluating the aims and treatment of criminals

Lesson 8

Religious attitudes to suffering

Knowledge and understanding of how people who are suffering should be treated

Citizenship – considering the plight of others and considering how we can help

Lesson 9

Religious attitudes to forgiveness

Knowledge and understanding of religious attitudes to forgiveness

Citizenship – considering how forgiveness can be positive and the impact it can have on a community

Lesson 10

Religious attitudes to the death penalty

‘Religious believers should never agree with corporal punishment.’

Evaluate this statement.

In your answer you:

• should give reasoned arguments in support of this statement

• should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view

• should refer to religious arguments

• may refer to non-religious arguments

• should reach a justified conclusion.

Knowledge and understanding of religious attitudes to the death penalty.

Communication – considering your own and other’s view about the death penalty

Critical thinking – evaluating religious and non-religious responses to the death penalty

Lesson 11

Work Experience

Lesson 12

Work Experience

Curriculum Plan – Religious Education

Intent  Religious Education gives students the knowledge and understanding of a range of religious and non-religious worldviews and the ability to be able to critically engage with those views to prepare pupils for life in a culturally diverse modern world. Students will gain an appreciation for how these worldviews have impacted the world they live in at a local, national and global level. We aim to encourage enthusiasm for interest in the study of other people’s beliefs and promote mutual respect, tolerance and understanding across different cultures and communities.

Year 10

Subject Content

Homework and Assessments

Subject Skills and 21^st Century Soft Skills

Lesson 1

Revision – Islam practices

Revision

‘To believe in the six articles of faith is the best way to please God.’

Evaluate this statement.

In your answer you should:

• refer to Muslim teaching

• give reasoned arguments to support this statement

• give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view

• reach a justified conclusion.

Knowledge and understanding of the Islamic practices module, including quotes to support religious views

Critical thinking – Evaluating religious view points

Lesson 2

Revision – Relationships and families

Revision

‘It is wrong to disapprove of homosexual relationships.’

Evaluate this statement.

In your answer you:

• should give reasoned arguments in support of this statement

• should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view

• should refer to religious arguments

• may refer to non-religious arguments

• should reach a justified conclusion.

Knowledge and understanding of the relationships and families module, including quotes to support religious views

Critical thinking – Evaluating religious view points

Lesson 3

Revision – Religion and life

Revision

‘Abortion should be allowed only when the mother’s life is at risk.’

Evaluate this statement.

In your answer you:

• should give reasoned arguments in support of this statement

• should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view

• should refer to religious arguments

• may refer to non-religious arguments

• should reach a justified conclusion.

 Knowledge and understanding of the religion and life module, including quotes to support religious views

Critical thinking – Evaluating religious view points

Lesson 4

Revision – Religion, crime and punishment

Revision

‘There is nothing wrong with sending a criminal to prison.’

Evaluate this statement.

In your answer you:

• should give reasoned arguments in support of this statement

• should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view

• should refer to religious arguments

• may refer to non-religious arguments

• should reach a justified conclusion.

Knowledge and understanding of the religion crime and punishment, including quotes to support religious views

Critical thinking – Evaluating religious view points

Lesson 5

Revision – Religion, human rights and social justice

15^th May 2023

AQA GCSE Religious Studies A

Paper 1: Christianity and Islam 

Knowledge and understanding of the religion, human rights and social justice module, including quotes to support religious views

Critical thinking – Evaluating religious view points

Lesson 6

23^rd May 2023

AQA Religious Studies A

Paper 2: Thematic studies

‘Positive discrimination should be used to help end racial discrimination.’

Evaluate this statement.

In your answer you:

• should give reasoned arguments in support of this statement

• should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view

• should refer to religious arguments

• may refer to non-religious arguments

• should reach a justified conclusion.