This image captures well our vision for RE at Bishop Challoner; as we invite our students to ‘Come and See’ what religious beliefs and practices contain.
As teachers of Religious Studies, we regard ourselves as dealers in hope; a hope which is vital for our future generation who face uncertainty and ever-shifting cultural values. We try to raise their vision as individuals, to believe in themselves and dream big. We challenge our pupils to consider a sometimes counter-cultural/ alternative message and offer them space to gain perspective on life’s Big Questions.
There is much to be learned not just about but also from other world religions. In a multi-faith society, it is essential to equip our students with knowledge and understanding of other major beliefs. This will enable them to grow in understanding and respect for our global human community; all equally made in the image and likeness of God.
All RE is taught in the context of Gospel values; loving God and others.
Religious Education helps develop a holistic understanding of religion – the GCSE exam explores religion and practice in the 21st Century and encourages students to reflect on and engage with fundamental questions. They will develop analytical and critical thinking skills to enable them to present a wide range of well-informed and reasonable arguments, ensuring readiness for AS and A level Religious Studies/ Philosophy and Ethics.
Through studying RE, students will learn about the spiritual aspects of all life and gain understanding about relationships with other people. They may become more appreciative of others and be able to understand another person’s motives, ideas and beliefs. Students will examine important issues affecting people throughout the world and issues that may impact their lives also.
Religious Education has many transferable skills which can be used in other areas of study and in a wide variety of career opportunities. All Colleges and many employers regard these skills as highly valuable.
Curriculum Map
Year
Y7
Y8
Y9
Autumn I
Welcome to RE at BC
· Welcome to RE at BC
· Who is God? What is the Word of God?
The History of Christianity (Part 1)
· Pentecost and the early Church
· History of Christianity – From Celts to the Reformation
· Hinduism
· The Philosophy of Religion (use unit from Y7 2019/20)
Autumn II
God revealed in the Bible
· How is God revealed in the Bible?
· The Story of Salvation
· OT Prophecies/Prophecies about Jesus fulfilled
The History of Christianity (Part 2)
· History of Christianity – Part 2
· Ecumenism today
The Dignity of the Human Person
· Catholic Social Teaching
· The Search for love/ love, honour and cherish.
Spring I
Jesus-who do you say He is?
· Did Jesus exist?
· Holy Week and exploring the meaning of Redemption
Christian examples?
· Study of Saints
· Saint Oscar Romero
· Sacrament of Reconciliation
Intro to GCSE/ Judaism Beliefs
Spring II
Jesus the Jew
· Life and teachings
· Jesus in conflict
· Key miracles and parables
Establishing the Kingdom of God today
· The cost of discipleship today/Key Christian teachings
· Hierarchy of the Church/Models of Church today
· CAFOD and Lent
Judaism Beliefs
Summer I
Christianity today
· Relationships and sex education
· Jesus in art
· Science and Religion
· Creation and stewardship
Created and chosen
· Created and Chosen
· Sikhism ( 8 lessons)
Judaism Practices
Summer II
Judaism (8 lessons)
Islam
Judaism Practices
For each of our major topics in Years 7 and 8, there will be an assessment at the end, accompanied by a learning ladder. Learning ladders are given to students prior to these assessments so that revision and preparation can be finely focused.
Year
Y10
Y11
Term 1.1
Creation unit – interpretations of Genesis / science/ stewardship
Religions, Relationships and Family unit – theology of the Body/ family planning/ Gender/ divorce, marriage and annulment.
Term 1.2
Incarnation unit – birth accounts/ sacraments/ abortion/ moral teachings
Religion, human rights and social justice unit – Human rights/ wealth and poverty/ prejudice and discrimination/ charity
Y11 Mock exam
Term 2.1
Triune God unit – Mystery of the Trinity/ Baptism/ Music and Prayer
Revision
Term 2.2
Redemption unit – meaning of Christ’s death, Resurrection & Ascension/ Eucharist/ conscience
Revision/ exam
Term 3.1
Church and the Kingdom of God unit – Drama, mission and evangelism, vocation, Vatican II, Pilgrimage
Term 3.2
Eschatology unit – The Four last things/ Last Judgement/ Cosmic Reconciliation/ Funerals.
/ Y10 Mock
Keystage 4: Religious Studies GCSE
Exam Board
GCSE Religious Studies AQA Spec B
(Paper 1), 1 hour 45 mins
50% Catholic Christianity 25% Judaism (Beliefs and Practices)
(Paper 2), 1 hour 45 mins
25% Themes (Religion, Relationships and Families and Religion, Human rights and social justice).
Due to the extensive content of the GCSE, students begin their GCSE course in the January of Y9.
Extra Curricular Opportunities
– Monday lunchtimes: the Debate Club in RE2 at 1.35 – 2.00
– For Year 8: SVP B-attitude (faith and social action programme)