The R.E. curriculum area enables students to explore fascinating questions relating to ethical behaviour, morality and spirituality. Students are given opportunities to investigate a wide range of religious teachings and secular world views, and to address issues such as the existence of God, the afterlife, authority, conflict, justice and charity. Lessons help students to develop many important life skills and to develop their understanding of the people and the world in which we live. Through the careful and sensitive consideration of different cultures, belief systems, traditions and moral issues, students learn to understand and respect the similarities and differences that exist within local and global communities.
R.E. helps to develop successful and independent learners by posing life's greatest questions and giving all students the opportunity for self-reflection; to develop their own opinions and beliefs, to respond to contemporary moral and ethical issues, to challenge themselves and to ultimately understand more about themselves and others.
Furthermore, as the teaching of R.E. is always unbiased, there is a place for all pupils, of whichever faith and none, in lessons.
Please explore these pages to find out more about what we offer.
We aim:
In their R.E. lessons students will develop their knowledge and understanding of human behaviour and its consequences for other human beings, as well as developing a greater awareness of the world in which we live.
Lessons will not only develop subject specific knowledge as students learn about religions and other beliefs systems, but also promote a wider range of skills and attributes as they reflect on their own beliefs and values.
Examples of how students may benefit from their R.E. lessons are listed below:
R.E. Lessons are taught by enthusiastic teachers, in well-equipped and comfortable classrooms, with interactive facilities and a wide range of quality resources. The Department also has excellent detailed textbooks, religious artefacts and subject specific software.
Key Stage 3
All students have one period of R.E. in Key Stage 3 in accordance with the Locally Agreed Syllabus and National requirements. Lessons cover a broad range of themes including the environment, animal rights, rights and responsibilities and the nature of authority, conflict and war and pilgrimage. The primary religion studied is Christianity, although due consideration is also given to each of the six main world religions, humanist and secular viewpoints.
Key Stage 4
All students have the option to study Religious Education further at Key Stage 4, students have three lessons per week. Lessons will follow the WJEC Eduqas syllabus studying Philosophy and Ethics with a focus on Christianity and Hinduism. All exam papers for this qualification will be sat when students are in Year 11. Students explore moral and ethical problems around issues as diverse as Human Rights, the environment, relationships, miracles, prisons and many more. Focus is on development of philosophical debate and written skills in addition to knowledge.
The Humanities Department understands the rich contribution that learning outside of the classroom can make to a student's education. The Department therefore strives to create enrichment opportunities for students.
The Humanities Department also provides a range of revision and support classes when required for Key Stage 4 students in order to help students achieve success in their exams. Furthermore for the 2017-2018 academic year students will have the opportunity to visit new places of study.