Year 9 Religious Studies Curriculum Plan

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.

Overall vision

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

Key objectives

• To give students a solid foundation for GCSE,
• To begin the GCSE course in preparation for early examination in Year 10.
• To extend religious and philosophical ideas and vocabulary
• To challenge students and to enable them to respond to religious, cultural and philosphical principles.
• To further develop skills of critical and independent thought, ICT, effective working in groups.
• To foster moral substance and conviction.

[Students should store their work in ring-binders which the department will provide. Their ring-binder should be divided into two sections: 1. The Foundations of GCSE ; 2. GCSE Ethics. Should they choose to study Religion and Philosophy at GCSE they can remove the first section and store it at home, whilst they retain and go on to extend section 2.]

Topics

Philosophy - What does it mean to be human ? How should I live ?

• Working through Kirkwood's "God knows who I am"
• Should we behave like dogs, pigs, gorillas or chameleons ? Or .... is altruism the cornerstone of a flourishing humanity ?

Introduction to the Christian faith.

• Symbols
• Beliefs about God
•The context of messianic expectation and the life of Jesus.
• Visions of the Kingdom of God.

B603:Ethics. Topic 1 : Medical Ethics

• The sanctity of life.
• Attitudes to abortion.
• Attitudes to fertility treatment.
• Attitudes to euthanasia and suicide.
• Do animals have rights ?.

Example lesson activity