The Joseph Rowntree School

KS3 - Religious Studies

Curriculum Knowledge

 

Year 7: Students begin the year exploring the importance of Religious Studies in their educational journey and how it will help them outside of the school environment. We then spend the rest of the term in experiential learning where students learn about religious concepts and how they are experienced in the ‘real world’ by exploring ideas such as holy books, leaders, festivals and community. They would be able to identify with the learning and come to the concepts from their own learning in the lesson.  After this we engage in a lesson by lesson exploration of the York Agreed syllabus covering each topic as required by York SACRE which will be more successful given the learning from the first term. The focus of the learning is on the ethical and philosophical elements of the syllabus to learn GCSE analytical skills and to encourage engagement.

Year 8: Students begin the year continuing their experiential learning and focusing on topics such as pilgrimage, religious doubt and faith. The rest of the year is spent on a lesson by lesson exploration of the York agreed syllabus. The lessons are designed to engage and teach analytical skills needed for the GCSE.

 

Skill Development

 

Subject Specific Skills:

  • Making historical links between religions and world events.
  • Reading and interpreting sacred texts and sources of authority.
  • Developing justified conclusions to moral, ethical and academic issues.

 

Wider Academic Skills / Attributes:

  • Use of a variation of sources of evidence to support arguments and discussions.
  • Interpreting the impact and role of religion and beliefs in society.
  • Developing extended writing skills.
  • Using study skills and revision techniques to prepare for extended writing exams.

 

Personal Development - SMSC & Cultural Capital (Opportunities / Experiences)

 

  • SPIRITUAL - Explore beliefs and experience; respect faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect.
  • MORAL - Recognise right and wrong; respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views. Evaluating beliefs, ideas and worldviews.
  • SOCIAL -  Use a range of social skills; participate in the local community; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict; engage with the 'British values' of democracy, the rule of law, liberty, respect and tolerance. Exploring diverse opinions and the impact of this on community cohesion.
  • CULTURAL - Appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain's parliamentary system; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.
  • Explore historical religious links to the local community.
  • Engagement with local faith groups.
  • Using local examples to link learning to personal experience.
  • Ethical and moral links – exploring issues such as family life, conflicts and personal moral opinions.
  • Raising awareness of current affairs and making links to their own opinions and the beliefs of others.
  • Respect for persons of faith and people from varying communities, traditions and religions.
  • Artistic expression of the spiritual.
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