Year 8 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.

Introduction to Major World Religions.

Overall vision

• To challenge students with, and enable students to respond to, the breadth and depth of truth.

Key objectives

• To introduce students to five major world faiths
• To extend religious studies vocabulary
• To challenge students and enable them to respond to religious, cultural and philosophical principles
• To develop skills of critical and independent thought, ICT, effective working in groups
• To foster moral substance and conviction.
•To encourage students to compare religious belief and understand some of the relationships between religions; and to consider the difficulties often experienced in inter-faith relationships.

Topics

Judaism - www.jewfaq.org

• Jewish beliefs about God; the covenant, symbolic ways of expressing devotion to God.
• Dietary Laws.
• The Synagogue.
• The Sabbath.
• The Holocaust; the origins of anti-Semitism; prejudice and discrimination in the 21st century.

Islam

• The life of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
• Living a God-centred life
• Concepts of God.
• Five Pillars of Islam - Information, understanding and value:

Shahada (creed)
Salat (prayer)
Saum (fasting)
Zakat (almsgiving); attitudes towards wealth.
Hajj (pilgrimage)

Sikhism

• The Ten Gurus, especially Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh.
• Baisakhi and the founding of the Khalsa.
• The Five K's.
• Living a balanced life - the symbolism of the Khanda.
• Sewa: the concept of service.

Links:

Sikh.net Sikhism
Hinduism

•Concepts of God: one god in many personal forms.
• Worship: the reasons for worship; worship in the home and mandir.
• The cycle of life and related concepts: samsara, moksha, dharma, karma and caste.
• Attitudes towards animals.

Buddhism

• The life of Siddhartha Gotama and the Four Passing Sights.
• The Four Noble Truths and the problem of suffering.
• The Eight Fold Path.

Anthony Hopkins as William Parrish in "Meet Joe Black"

During this topic students will watch sections of the 1998 Martin Brest film Meet Joe Black. Anthony Hopkins plays a media mogul (William Parrish) who, becoming aware of his imminent death, revises the meaning and purpose of life and success. Students use a structured worksheet to compare / contrast William Parrish's experience with that of Siddhartha Gotama and reflect upon any life experiences they may wish to share which have challenged them to 'let go'.

Links: Buddha.net
Useful Link