– KS3 RE

Curriculum

Intent

Within Religious Education, we believe that every child has the capacity to learn, engage, reflect and experience Religious Education. We are focused to create learning experiences within a creative, thought provoking and thoughtful environment.
We explore, apply and discuss different cultures, religions and traditions within our diverse communities that are local, national and worldwide.
We focus on ethical and Philosophical issues which aim to engage and challenge student perspectives whilst learning to understand why human being believe the things they do.
Through our evolving curriculum, we provide and develop the skills of our young people to be respectful, reflective, intuitive and open-minded. This is with the vision of making their futures and their world secure, accepting and a diverse place to live.

Implementation:

Within Religious education we have a curriculum with stimulating and thought provoking aspects which enables students to engage and consider some of the most diverse and challenging Religious, Philosophical and ethical issues currently in our world.
Our curriculum will enable students to develop their thinking skills, knowledge of key Religious, Philosophical and ethical issues and to construct justified opinions whilst applying religious beliefs.
Students will also have experiences in exploring Philosophical and ethical content that is current and Religious experiences that occur that are relevant to the curriculum.
Within the Religious Studies department the specialist team use a variety of techniques within lessons to engage students to a high standard in order for them to make excellent progress. Staff use stimulating and thought-provoking video, discussion tasks, group tasks and extended writing tasks which foster an enthusiasm for the subject however also prepare students for the demands of GCSE and A level study.
The department will use knowledge organisers, regular reading homework, extension tasks and activities to engage students and develop their knowledge and understanding furthermore their ability to justify and evaluate philosophical and ethical issues.
Through access to a number of learning opportunities including, thought provoking videos. outside speakers and guided meditation, it will enable students to develop their learning through memorable and challenging experiences.

Impact

In RE lessons every child makes outstanding academic progress from their KS2 starting points which prepares them for their future learning at GCSE and A level study.
This requires high levels of knowledge and understanding of key religious, philosophical and ethical issues, skills in justifying their beliefs and opinions and also evaluating key curriculum content.
We wish to develop the skills of our young people in many areas but in particular to leave Rainford High being respectful, reflective, and intuitive and open-minded citizens.
We wish for students to have developed many skills which will prepare them for the world of Further education or for the demands of modern employment.

Possible careers and opportunities

A qualification in Religious Studies  is useful in the following professions:  Media, Law, Politics, Medicine the Army, Social care, the Police, and of course, Education.

Facilities

We have two dedicated classrooms in the East Block, E102 and E104.

Support

We offer numerous group and 1-2-1 revision sessions for students to prepare them for their GCSE examinations. Furthermore, all key information resources, Knowledge Organiser have all been placed on Rainford Connect to support your child’s learning.

Extra-Curricular

The enrichment opportunities in Religious Education are wide and varied. Here are just a few of the opportunities students at Rainford have experienced recently:

  • For GCSE and A Level students a day trip to the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and the Liverpool Synagogue including a workshop exploring the topic of ‘Beliefs of Christians and The Jewish Community’.
  • In the past 2 years, all GCSE and A-Level students have had the opportunity to engage in Holocaust memorial activities.
Year 7 Curriculum:

Autumn term

  • Introduction to Philosophy and Religious Festivals. Students will explore different philosophical ideas such as the problem of evil as suffering, alongside key religious festivals such as Christmas and Hannukah.

Spring term

  • Judaism and the Person of Jesus. Students will study key Jewish beliefs such as the Covenants and the mitzvot, as well as discussing the events of Jesus’ life.

Summer term

  • Sikhism and Stewardship. Students will study key Sikh beliefs, and following this discuss the role Christians play in being stewards of the planet.

Assessment

Your child’s progress will be assessed against the Religious Studies Progress Ladders.  Your child will be assessed formally in our whole-school Assessment Windows twice a year. In addition, you child will be required to to explain two beliefs, theories, ideas or influences of key Christian concepts.

Resources

To help support your child’s learning we have detailed Knowledge Organisers on each topic we teach. To help develop your child’s vocabulary and foster a love for reading, we also set four reading homeworks a term which are published on Synergy. All students will have access to Google Classroom for all resources needed.

Year 8 Curriculum:

Autumn term

  • Ultimate Questions and Islam. Students will discuss some of the ultimate questions humanity has ever discussed, such as the meaning of life. Students will also explore life as a Muslim in 21st Century Britain and Merseyside.

Spring term

  • Inspirational Religious Figures and Jesus – Revolutionary or Rebel? Students will learn about the lives of key religious figures such as Malala Yousafzai and Martin Luther King, and consider whether Jesus could be considered a revolutionary or rebellious figure in the New Testament.

Summer term

  • Buddhism and Religion, Wealth & Poverty. Students will discover the key beliefs of Buddhism, alongside discussing religious views on wealth and poverty, including how religion addresses this.

Assessment

Your child’s progress will be assessed against the Religious Studies Progress Ladders. Your child will be assessed formally in our whole-school Assessment Windows twice a year. In addition, your child will complete 9 mark questions, which must focus on incorporating a religious quotation, belief or idea.

Resources

To help support your child’s learning we have detailed Knowledge Organisers on each topic we teach. To help develop your child’s vocabulary and foster a love for reading, we also set four reading homeworks a term which are published on Synergy. All students will have access to Google Classroom for all resources needed.
Year 9 Curriculum:

Autumn term

  • Alternative religions and Capital Punishment. Students will discuss religions that exist outside the main 6 wold religion, as well as discussing religious views towards capital punishment.

Spring term

  • Abortion and the Holocaust. Students will learn about and evaluate religious views towards abortion, and explore the impact of the Holocaust on Judaism.

Summer term

  • Religion and the Media. Students will explore a range of themes of how religion has impacted what we read and see through the media. This includes its role in sport, music and television.

Assessment

Your child’s progress will be assessed against the Religious Studies Progress Ladders. Your child will be assessed formally in our whole-school Assessment Windows three times a year. In addition, your child will complete essay questions, which must focus on incorporating religious quotations, beliefs or ideas.

Resources

To help support your child’s learning we have detailed Knowledge Organisers on each topic we teach. To help develop your child’s vocabulary and foster a love for reading, we also set four reading homeworks a term which are published on Synergy. All students will have access to Google Classroom for all resources needed.