Curriculum
Intent
Within Philosophy, Religion and Ethics, we believe that every child has the capacity to learn, engage, reflect and experience Philosophy, Religion and Ethics. 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 Philosophy, Religion and Ethics 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 Philosophy, Religion and Ethics 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 Philosophy, Religion and Ethics 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 Philosophy, Religion and Ethics 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 Philosophy, Religion and Ethics 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.