‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full’ - John 10:10
Our Vision and Intent
At Brownedge St Mary’s we believe that Religious Education is the "core of the core curriculum" (Pope St John Paul II) and fundamental to the life and purpose of our school. The Gospel is at the heart of who we are and all we do. Classroom Religious Education gives pupils a unique opportunity to explore the big questions of meaning and purpose. As Jesus listened to the questioning disciples on the road to Emmaus, we aim to hear and understand each of our pupils as we walk with them on their journey of discovery. We are committed to academic challenge and attainment while providing all pupils with a variety of learning experiences, ensuring that religious education is engaging, meaningful and enjoyable. Through their reflective learning, pupils will develop an understanding of their innate worth, their own beliefs and values and those of others, enabling them to become responsible, active citizens of the world. We believe that in Religious Education we are sowing seeds which may not produce fruit until long after pupils have left school.
The primary focus of classroom Religious Education is the academic study of religion. Our aim is to provide an aspirational curriculum using appropriate methodologies and rigorous assessment.
- We aim to make the study of religion accessible, with an awareness that more than half of our pupils are not baptised. We will provide targeted support in the classroom and through home learning, for those students without prior experience or knowledge of religion.
- Equally, we will challenge all students and develop their learning in KS2. Returning to concepts and taking time to reflect and revise opinions will deepen all pupils’ knowledge and understanding.
- We intend to provide a stimulating curriculum that explores the theological, philosophical and ethical questions central to human experience. Each curriculum module from year 7 to year 11 is framed within a “Big Question” about life.
- We want all our pupils to understand the richness of the Catholic faith and follow the guidance of the Religious Education Curriculum Directory as set out by the Bishop’s Conference of England and Wales. The KS3 curriculum is based on “The People of God” and all pupils are entered for GCSE RS Eduqas Route B.
- We hope to develop pupils’ appreciation of sources of wisdom and authority, especially the Bible and Church teaching. Embedding and developing literacy skills, we hope to inspire pupils with the power of the written word.
- We aim to provide our pupils with opportunities to reflect spiritually and so prayer and opportunities for creativity are embedded within every scheme of work.
- The GCSE curriculum develops critical thinking skills and the ability to construct well-informed, structured written arguments. Opportunities for debate and discussion within lessons will develop oracy and provide the stimulus and preparation for expressive extended writing.
- Appreciating others’ beliefs and values is key in broadening minds and overcoming prejudice. We provide opportunities in school for pupils to explore different religions and to meet people of faith within the curriculum, during enrichment days and by visiting places of worship.
- We hope to develop pupils’ appreciation of sources of wisdom and authority, especially the Bible and Church teaching. Embedding and developing literacy skills, we hope to inspire pupils with the power of the written word.
- Faith impacts what individuals and communities do in their daily lives. We aim to explore and inspire social action as pupils explore Catholic Social Teaching and reflect on their own beliefs and values.
- We work closely with Diocesan and local network groups to share best practice and give our students the best examination advice and preparation.
- We aim to enable our pupils to achieve their potential at GCSE, to spark an interest in further academic study and a life-long interest in education in all its forms.
RE Curriculum Plan
Literacy (including subject vital vocab)
Religious education aims to develop skills of analysis, evaluation, reasoning, synthesis and communication. Good literacy is essential in the development of these skills. Improved literacy skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) will help pupils reach their potential and deal with the higher-order questions. Reasoned argument needs the gathering of relevant information and the ability to express that information in an appropriate form.
In the GCSE, spelling, punctuation and grammar will be assessed in specified questions that require extended writing. The total weighting for spelling, punctuation and grammar is 5% of the sum of all marks i.e. 12 marks overall. In Route B SPaG is assessed in Components 1 and 2. Use of specialist terminology will be assessed throughout all papers.
Each module of work contains “key concepts” which help to open up the topic being studied. All pupils are asked to know “vital vocabulary”, essential words that are needed across both key Stages
Click here for our Subject Vital Vocab
Revision/supporting materials
Seneca https://help.senecalearning.com
GCSE POD
Mr.McMillian revision videos https://www.youtube.com/user/MrMcMillanREvis/playlists
BBC Bitesize RE:
Christianity: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zc63cdm/articles/zk4fxyc
Judaism: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z4hg9j6/articles/zfn792p
Non-religious beliefs: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zks4d2p/articles/zfs2kmn
Christianity: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zc63cdm/articles/z44fxyc
Judaism: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z4hg9j6/articles/z66dgwx
Non-religious beliefs: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zks4d2p/articles/zv3tjhv
Careers and progression
Studying RE at GCSE and A Level can provide invaluable life skills, offer opportunities to further education and enhance careers. Religious studies will develop skills in critical thinking and ethics which are useful in careers in medicine, education, psychology, and uniformed services. Knowledge of other cultures and world religious beliefs can be useful in many jobs where you are working with the public or communities. These include counselling and social services, marketing, sales and advertising, catering and hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism, retail sales and customer services, education and training, medicine and nursing, and service sector roles.
Real stories of how Religious Studies benefits students and young professionals: http://casestudies.reonline.org.uk/
