RE

Subject Vision

RE within in St Alban’s Catholic High School is the “core of the core curriculum” (Pope John Paull II) as a summation of the whole curriculum. The aim of the department is to deliver a systematic and rigorous study of the mystery and nature of God, to demonstrate both the teachings of Christ and the Church demonstrating the relationship between faith, life and learning. Religious education within a Catholic setting aims to stimulate student’s hearts and minds in order to reflect meaningfully on their own individual spirituality, ethics, morals and theology, as well understanding the vastly differing world views within their own culture and their own school.

To ensure students have the skills to do that, the RE department looks to instil a high standard of religious literacy to enable students to express terminology, beliefs and practices effectively and accurately, and in order for them to critically engage with culture, spirituality and society.

Through rigorous academic and authentic catechetical teaching young people will have the religious literacy skills, critical and deep thinking, and a way understand how to live by gospel values that Christ demonstrates, to become saints and to build the kingdom of God, which is always, unchanging and unapologetically the aim of the RE department.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum Overview

	Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
Aut.1	Creation and Covenant	Creation and Covenant	Creation and Covenant
Aut.2	Prophecy and Promise	Prophecy and Promise	Prophecy and Promise
Spr.1	Galilee to Jerusalem	Galilee to Jerusalem	Galilee to Jerusalem
Spr.2	Desert to Garden	Desert to Garden	Desert to Garden
Sum.1	To the ends of the earth	To the ends of the earth	To the ends of the earth
Sum.2	Dialogue and Encounter: Judaism beliefs and practices	Dialogue and Encounter: Islamic beliefs and practices	Dialogue and Encounter: Hindu beliefs and practices

Where does this subject lead me?

In KS3 Religious Education students develop their understanding and appreciation of religious beliefs and teachings, as well as the disciplines of ethics and the philosophy of religion. The outcome of excellent religious education is religiously literate and consciously engaged young people who have the knowledge, understanding, and skills – appropriate to their age and capacity – to reflect spiritually, and think ethically and theologically, and who recognise the demands of religious commitment in everyday life. (To know you more clearly, RED).

There is no requirement to be a practising Catholic to study RE.

Key Stage 4 Curriculum Overview

	Year 10	Year 11
Aut.1	The Origins and Structure of the Bible	Religion, Peace and Conflict
Aut.2	Incarnation	Religion, relationships and families
Spr.1	Triune God	Jewish beliefs
Spr.2	Redemption	Jewish Practices
Sum.1	Church and the Kingdom of God	REVISION
Sum.2	Eschatology

Where does this subject lead me?

All students at St Alban’s Catholic High School will study RE at KS3 and KS4 level. RE will form 10% of curriculum time, as directed by the diocese and Bishops of England and Wales. Pope John Paul II described RE as the “core of all core subjects”.

There is no requirement to be a practising Catholic (or any faith) to sit the exam. We study AQA, Specification B (Catholic Christianity). In the second paper we study Jewish beliefs and practices, as well thematic response to Religion, relationships and family, and Religion, Peace and conflict.

The skills of critical thinking, empathy and evaluation are developed in RE and can be crossed over to several humanity subjects such as geography and history.

Our GCSE exams in Religious Studies B include questions that allow students to demonstrate their ability to:

apply knowledge and understanding of two religions
apply knowledge and understanding of key sources of wisdom and authority including scripture and/or sacred texts, where appropriate, which support contemporary religious faith
understand the influence of religion on individuals, communities and societies
understand significant common and divergent views between an/or within religion and beliefs
apply knowledge and understanding in order to analyse questions related to religious beliefs and values
construct well-informed and balanced arguments on matters concerned with religious beliefs and values set out in the subject content below.

4.2 Assessment objectives

Assessment objectives (AOs) are set by Ofqual and are the same across all GCSE Religious

Examinations

RE has two papers, that are non-tiered. Each exam is one hour, 45 minutes, and each exam is weighted at 50% of the total exam. Each paper is marked out of 96 (Plus 3 for SPAG). The second examination is split into two papers (Jewish beliefs and practices) and thematic responses (students may answer questions on either any two religious, philosophical and ethical themes)

Component 1: Catholic Christianity

Component 2A: Perspectives on faith
Component 2B: Jewish beliefs and practices

Key Stage 5 Curriculum Overview

Year 12

Year 13

Aut.1

Philosophy

Arguments for the existence of God

Ethics

Normative ethical theories

Philosophy

Religious language

Ethics

Introduction to meta ethics: the meaning of right and wrong

Aut.2

Philosophy

Evil and suffering

Religious experience

Ethics

Free will and moral responsibility

Conscience

Bentham and Kent

Spr.1

Ethics

The application of natural moral law,

Philosophy

Miracles

Self, death and afterlife

Spr.2

Christianity

God

Self, death and afterlife

Christianity

Christianity, gender and sexuality

Christianity and science

Sum.1

Christianity

Sources of wisdom and authority

Good conduct and key moral principles

Christianity

Christianity and the challenge of secularisation

Sum.2

Christianity

Christianity, migration and religious pluralism

Where does this subject lead me?

A large number of students will choose to study Philosophy and Ethics at A-Level. Philosophy and Ethics is an incredibly popular a-level and is view by top level universities as a valuable subject to have studied before starting higher education. Philosophy and Ethics requires students to have achieved a grade… at RE.

How it's assessed

Written exam: 3 hours - 100 marks - 50% of A-level

Questions

Section A: Philosophy of religion – two compulsory two-part questions, each worth 10 marks and 15 marks.

Section B: Ethics and religion – two compulsory two-part questions, each worth 10 marks and 15 marks.

In both sections, questions may span more than one topic. In each two-part question, the first part tests AO1 and the second part tests AO2.

Section A: Study of religion – two compulsory two-part questions, each worth 10 marks and 15 marks relating to the religion chosen. Questions may be set that span more than one topic. In each two-part question, the first part tests AO1 and the second part tests AO2.

Section B: The dialogue between philosophy of religion and religion – one unstructured synoptic question from a choice of two (25 marks).

Section C: The dialogue between ethical studies and religion – one unstructured synoptic question from a choice of two (25 marks).

Careers Information

Religious education plays a vital role in shaping individuals and communities by fostering understanding, respect, and tolerance among diverse belief systems. In today's multicultural society, the ability to appreciate different religions and worldviews is crucial for promoting harmony and cooperation. Studying religious education helps students:

1. Develop Critical Thinking: Engaging with various religious texts and traditions encourages students to analyze, question, and reflect on moral and ethical issues.

2. Enhance Empathy and Respect: By exploring different faiths and philosophies, students learn to appreciate diversity and develop a sense of empathy toward others' beliefs and practices.

3. Promote Personal Identity and Values: Religious education provides students with the opportunity to explore their own beliefs and values, helping them to understand their place in the world.

4. Foster Global Citizenship: Understanding different religions and cultures prepares students to engage thoughtfully and responsibly in an interconnected global community.

Studying religious education equips students with a range of transferable skills that are valuable across various disciplines:

Critical Thinking and Analysis: Students evaluate complex texts and ideas, which is also essential in subjects like English Literature, History, and psychology.
Communication Skills: Articulating beliefs and engaging in discussions enhances verbal and written communication skills, beneficial in Language Arts, Social Studies, and theatre studies.
Ethical Reasoning: Religious education encourages students to confront moral dilemmas, linking closely with subjects like History, Social Studies, and Law.
Cultural Awareness: Understanding different religious traditions fosters cultural sensitivity, which is important in subjects like History, Geography, and Sociology.

A background in religious education opens the door to various career paths, including:

Education: Teaching roles in primary and secondary schools, as well as positions in adult education and community programs.
Counseling and Social Work: Many professionals in these fields use their understanding of religious and spiritual beliefs to provide support and guidance.
Nonprofit and Community Work: Roles in organizations focused on interfaith dialogue, social justice, and humanitarian efforts often benefit from knowledge of diverse belief systems.
Religious Leadership: Careers in ministry, chaplaincy, or leadership within religious organizations are directly impacted by religious education.
Research and Academia: Opportunities in higher education and research institutions focusing on theology, religious studies, or anthropology.
Journalism and Media: Reporting on religious issues, cultural affairs, and social justice initiatives requires a nuanced understanding of various faiths.