Years 10 and 11 G.C.S.E. 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.
GCSE - years 10 and 11
Overall Vision
• To challenge students with, and enable students to respond to, the breadth and depth of truth.
OCR Spec B: Philosophy and Applied Ethics
Aims and Learning Outcomes
To enable candidates to:
• Adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion
• Explore religions and beliefs, reflect on fundamental questions, engage with them intellectually and respond personally
• Enhance their spiritual and moral development, and contribute to their health and well being
• Enhance their personal, social and cultural development, their understanding of different cultures locally, nationally and in the wider world and to contribute to social and community cohesion
• Develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the study of religion, and relate it to the wider world
• Reflect on and develop their own values, opinions and attitudes in light of their learning.
(Taken from the OCR Specification)
Topics (Christian perspectives)
Year 10
Ethics 1
• Religion and human relationships
• Religion, poverty and wealth
Philosophy 1
• Belief about deity
• Religious and spiritual experience
• The end of life
Year 11
Philosophy 2• Good and evil
• Religion, reason and revelation
• Religion and science
Ethics 2
• Religion, peace and justice• Religion and equality PowerPoint presentation from this lesson
• Religion and the media.
