School Life
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Religious Education
Religious Education at Ernest Bevin Academy aims to develop students' knowledge and understanding of different religions, beliefs, values, and traditions. Our curriculum promotes an inquiring, critical, and reflective approach to the study of religion, encouraging respect for all and a deeper understanding of the place of religion in contemporary society.
Our RE curriculum is designed to be inclusive and accessible to students of all faiths and none. It provides opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development, encourages students to explore their own beliefs, and promotes mutual respect and tolerance in a diverse society.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
In Key Stage 3, students explore a range of religious and non-religious worldviews through thematic and religion-specific units. The curriculum focuses on developing knowledge and understanding while encouraging students to reflect on their own ideas and values.
Year 7
Autumn Term
- Introduction to world religions
- Sacred texts and their importance
- Religious symbols and their meanings
Spring Term
- Christianity: beliefs and practices
- The life and teachings of Jesus
- Christian festivals and celebrations
Summer Term
- Islam: beliefs and practices
- The Five Pillars of Islam
- Islamic festivals and celebrations
Year 8
Autumn Term
- Hinduism: beliefs and practices
- Hindu gods and goddesses
- Hindu worship and festivals
Spring Term
- Buddhism: beliefs and practices
- The life of Buddha
- Buddhist teachings and meditation
Summer Term
- Faith in action: religion and social justice
- Religious responses to poverty and inequality
- Religious charities and their work
Year 9
Autumn Term
- Judaism: beliefs and practices
- Jewish history and identity
- Jewish festivals and traditions
Spring Term
- Sikhism: beliefs and practices
- The Gurus and Sikh teachings
- The Gurdwara and Sikh community
Summer Term
- Philosophy and ethics: big questions
- Arguments for and against the existence of God
- Religion and science: conflict or compatibility?
- Introduction to GCSE Religious Studies
Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
At Key Stage 4, students follow the AQA GCSE Religious Studies specification, focusing on two religions (Christianity and Islam) and thematic studies in religion, philosophy, and ethics. This provides students with a deeper understanding of religious beliefs and practices while exploring contemporary moral and ethical issues.
Component 1: The Study of Religions
Christianity:
- Christian beliefs (Trinity, creation, afterlife)
- Jesus Christ and salvation
- Worship and festivals
- The role of the church in the community
- Christian practices and perspectives on global issues
Islam:
- Islamic beliefs (Tawhid, prophethood, angels)
- The Five Pillars and Jihad
- Worship and festivals
- Family life and responsibilities
- Islamic practices and perspectives on global issues
Component 2: Thematic Studies
Students explore religious, philosophical, and ethical themes:
- Religion and life (origins of the universe, environment, animal rights, abortion, euthanasia)
- Religion, peace and conflict (violence, war, terrorism, pacifism, reconciliation)
- Religion, crime and punishment (causes of crime, aims of punishment, forgiveness, death penalty)
- Religion, human rights and social justice (prejudice, discrimination, wealth, poverty)
Assessment
The GCSE is assessed through two written examinations:
- Paper 1: The Study of Religions (1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of GCSE)
- Paper 2: Thematic Studies (1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of GCSE)
Both papers consist of a mixture of short answer and extended writing questions that test knowledge, understanding, analysis, and evaluation skills.
Teaching Approaches
Enquiry-based Learning
Our RE curriculum uses an enquiry-based approach, where students investigate key questions about religions and worldviews. This encourages critical thinking and personal reflection.
Visits and Visitors
Where possible, we arrange visits to places of worship and invite speakers from different faith communities to provide authentic insights into lived religious experiences.
Use of Artifacts and Resources
Students explore religious artifacts, texts, and multimedia resources to develop a deeper understanding of religious practices and beliefs.
Discussion and Debate
Students are encouraged to discuss and debate ethical and philosophical questions in a respectful environment, developing their ability to articulate views and listen to others.
Additional Opportunities
Faith Awareness Week
Each year, we hold a Faith Awareness Week where students participate in workshops, assemblies, and activities celebrating religious diversity and promoting understanding.
Places of Worship Visits
Students have opportunities to visit different places of worship including churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and gurdwaras to experience religious practices firsthand.
Philosophy Club
Our Philosophy Club allows students to explore big questions beyond the curriculum, developing critical thinking skills and encouraging deeper reflection on philosophical and ethical issues.
How Parents Can Help
- Discuss religious and ethical topics that arise in the news or everyday life
- Encourage respect for different beliefs and practices
- Visit museums, exhibitions, or places of worship with cultural or religious significance
- Support homework and revision for assessments
- Encourage your child to ask questions and explore different perspectives
- Help your child research religious festivals and practices when relevant
- Discuss the importance of respectful dialogue about religious and ethical issues
Useful Resources
School Resources
- RE Curriculum Overview (Download PDF)
- GCSE Religious Studies Revision Guide (Download PDF)
- Places of Worship Visit Information (Download PDF)
- World Religion Fact Sheets (Download PDF)