Year 7 Religion and Philosophy
Religion and Philosophy at KEQMS
We aim to enable students to consider the question ‘who am I?' in the broadest possible sense. The subject is about exploring the self and beyond the self.
‘Know thyself' (Socrates)
Education enables us to obtain the understanding and skills needed to discover and then effectively fulfil our function in broader society and ensure material survival for the self. But surely education should give us far more than this. Stimulation and progression through the acquisition of empirical knowledge is crucial; but so is a dedication to philosophy - exploring the wonders of meaning and purpose, and the beauty of a transcendent consciousness we occasionally glimpse in those rare moments of life where we move beyond ourselves. Religion and Philosophy is the complete subject; it envelopes all else by pulling whatever it may be towards an end, giving us a knowledge which embraces the knowable as well as the unknowable and offering a vision of human flourishing with a purposeful approach to living and working. Education can so easily miss everything that matters!
‘Good education is not just about producing economically effective ‘units' that will be of service to their nation and economy' (Vardy)
Religion and Philosophy is a demanding and immensely rewarding subject. Students learn to think for themselves and support their opinions with clear reasoning. All students are encouraged to be fully involved in discussions and debates; it is always a pleasure to watch students grow in confidence and passion. Students learn to think critically and analyse logical arguments. Much attention is paid to improving students' evaluative skills so that they are able to present their own coherent, persuasive arguments which arrive at well-informed judgments. They are encouraged to discover and be prepared to challenge all that limits free-thinking and genuine identity. We want our students to encounter non-contingent sources of moral authority and consider the nature, value and origin of the courage needed if we are to obey these sources above all else.
Origins of Religious Thought and Philosophy in today's world.
Overall vision
• To challenge students with, and enable students to respond to, the breadth and depth of truth.
• To introduce religion
• To consider the qualities that make people religious
• To consider the origins of religious thought
• To consider the place of religion and faith today
• To introduce some religious studies vocabulary
• To introduce early Biblical characters and their relationship with God
• To develop skills of critical and independent thought, ICT, effective working in groups.
• To foster moral substance and conviction and a sense of personal worth.
Topics
• What is religion?
• What is a religious person?
• The origins of religious belief.
• Where is God? What is God?
• Creation vs. science ... or ... creation with science.
• ‘ God is dead' (Nietzsche) ... or is she?
• Religious symbolism. Symbolic ways of expressing the nature of God. Can be God be symbolised ? Islam - 99 names of Allah.
• Religious devotion. Abraham - faith, obedience, trust and sacrifice. Leaving Haran and the binding of Isaac.
• Joseph - a dysfunctional family. Reflections on good and bad behaviour in the story.
• Moses, covenant and commandments. Why do we need rules?
• Amos, prophecy and justice. Child slavery in the 21st century. Fair Trade. Our own campaigns for a better world.
• Messianic expectation.
• Christian denominations and their church buildings (summer project).
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