Religious Education
“True education enables us to love life and opens us to the fullness of life.”
Pope Francis
Welcome to the Religious Education homepage where you can find out about the study of RE at St. George's.
Our vision is to produce pupils who are
- Religiously Literate
- Excel Academically
- Reflect Spiritually
- Think Critically
- Act morally and justly
- Responsible and conscientious stewards of our environment
- Loving member of our community
In the department we strive to provide a wide range of innovative teaching and learning strategies to ensure that every student is stimulated, challenged and encouraged to succeed. The climate for learning is excellent in the Department. As a department, we aim to provide our pupils with a wide breadth of knowledge. This is not solely within the Catholic or Christian tradition, but also incorporates a study of other world religions.
Living in a diverse multi-faith society, it is not only important to be aware of our own religious beliefs, but also the religious beliefs of our neighbours and friends. It is through this understanding that we can grow and gain an insight into ourselves and others.
Staff
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Ms A. Dutton - Acting Head of Department
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Ms O. McGinty
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Ms E. Doherty
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Mr C. O'Brien
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Mr J. Walton
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Ms H. Abdi
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Mr T. Carswell
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Mr T. Kendall
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Ms A. D'Souza
Want to find out more?
If you wish to find out more about Religious Education at St George’s please feel free to contact Ms. A Dutton at a.dutton@stgeorgesrc.org
At Key Stage 3 we follow the scheme of work as indicated by the Bishop’s Conference, using a variety of learning styles to ensure that students make sustained progress. At Key Stage 3 pupils follow a programme that enriches their understanding of Catholicism and also gain a good grounding in the major religious traditions. We feel it is vital that lower school students are taught the teachings of the Church, along with building their knowledge in the Scriptures. Pupils use the ‘Way’, the ‘Truth’ and the ‘Life’ textbooks, in conjunction with a variety of other teaching materials and resources.
Before progressing on to their GCSE studies, students will have a firm grasp of key concepts and issues that are central to the study of religion, including: living in a multicultural society, forms of interpretation, diversity of religion, the early Church, covenants, sacraments and vocations.
Curriculum Overview
Year 7
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Creation & Covenant
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Prophecy & Promise
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Galilee to Jerusalem
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Desert to Garden
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To the Ends of the Earth
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Dialogue and Encounter
Year 8
- Creation
- Covenant
- The Mass & The Church in Britain
- Paschal Mystery
- Prophetic Role of the Church
- Hinduism
Year 9
- The Nature of God
- Ethics
- War, Conflict & Reconciliation
- Jesus of the Gospel
- Vocation
- Judaism
Pupils complete class work that develops a range of skills such as analysis, empathy, evaluation, debating and application of different Christian teachings and viewpoints. Pupils’ work is marked by teachers every two to three weeks. Pupils also complete two graded tasks every half term, with an assessment at the end of every term. Pupils are expected to reach or to surpass their target minimum grade.
The department works hard to ensure that all pupils, regardless of their religious background, feel included and can learn something that is relevant to their own lives in all Religious Education lessons.
KS4
Pupils’ attainment and progress are outstanding in GCSE RE. At Key Stage 4, Year 10s and 11s currently follow the EDEXCEL exam board. Judaism is studied as a second religion. In Year 11 will study Philosophy and Ethics based on Catholic Christianity, which looks at arguments for the existence of God as well as relationships and families in the 21 century. We provide students with analytical tools to explore ethical issues so they can explain the Catholic position and other perspectives, by being able to make theological links to beliefs, teaching and practices.
There are a variety of teaching methods used and at the end of each topic pupils complete an assessment using GCSE questions and marked according to the exam board criteria.
- Every student will be given a copy of a revision book from RE department.
- Every student will have an access to electronic textbook-Kerboodle textbook.
- Two Saturday Revision sessions are held per each half term.
- Targeted intervention will take place in collaboration with other schools.
- Small group Interventions will also be put in place nearer to the exam.
Course Links
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/religious-studies-a-2016.html
Recommended Textbooks
Faith and Practice in the 21 century by Victor W. Watton
Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Religious Studies: Catholic Christianity Specification A
KS5
Core RE:
At St. George’s all 6 Form students attend 1 hour of Core RE lesson. Pupils explore different topics in terms of philosophical, ethical and religious issues at a greater depth than their GCSE. Pupils generally enjoy in participating these lessons. In these lessons pupils are challenged to think about their role and responsibility in our world. We explore different topics such as Scientific and Christian creation accounts, Abortion, Sanctity of life, Euthanasia, Catholic Social teachings, Human trafficking, Stewardship and various Ethical theories. Pupils also explore current political and scientific discoveries and its impact on our society and Catholic teachings on these topics.
- Guest speakers are usually invited.
- Pupils are given the opportunity to engage in our outreach programmes in our local parishes.
- Pupils get opportunity to enroll in youth leaders programme.
- Some pupils are encouraged to research further for their EPQ qualification.
A Level Religious Studies:
RS is quite popular subject at St George’s. It is taught by the staff who are eager and have excellent qualifications. Our Teachers’ passion inspires pupils to do well in this subject. It is a subject that by its nature requires students to consider individual, moral, ethical, social, cultural and contemporary issues in a religious context. It also develops their ability to make responsible judgements on significant moral teaching and religious issues. Pupils study the OCR specification which consists of 3 units of study:
- Philosophy of Religion
- Religion and Ethics
- Development in Christian Thought
There will be three examinations, with one for each of the three branches of the course. Each examination will last for 2 hours and each will have equal weighting with regards to the final grading of the A level qualification.
Types of Lessons
- Some lessons will be very structured being designed to develop student knowledge and will use text books.
- Discussions and debates; some sessions will be student led with peer presentations on a pre-prepared topic.
- Suitable DVD clips or interviewing a visitor.
- Students will be expected to write – sometimes taking notes, answering questions, and practicing essay skills.
- Individual especially in preparation for the RS4 examination.
- At least two guest speakers visit from Russel group of universities.
- At least one essay to be completed each week.
- All pupils will be provided with a revision book.
Course Links
Recommended Textbooks
- Oxford A Level Religious Studies for OCR: AS and Year 1 Student Book by Libby Ahluwalia
- OCR Religious Studies A Level Year 2 by Michael Wilkinson & Michael Wilcockson
Assessment
Pupils are leveled at the end of each half term. It is expected that all pupils continually progress in order to reach or exceed their target grade.
The RE department regularly monitors and offers relevant help to those who are struggling. Assessments are rigorous and regularly modified in line with expectations and changes to the Religious Education curriculum.
Enrichments
There are a number of enrichment opportunities offered which include; educational and religious trips to various places to increase pupils’ engagement and deepen their faith. Trips to Rome, Lourdes, the Jewish museum and visits to the different places of worship have been some of the highlights. Staff are eager to plan and provide these opportunities to develop pupils’ learning both in and outside the classroom. Staff in the Religious Education department through their teaching and practice, encourage pupils to live out what is being taught in religious education. Pupils engage eagerly in supporting a number of charities throughout the year including the Christmas and Easter appeal.
Three Faith Forum: Pupils are given the opportunity to meet the Three Faiths Forum and attend a presentation with members of many different faith groups to give students a chance to develop their understanding of the diversity of religion in the UK.
Retreat Programme: The department is committed to ensure the development of the ‘whole’ person by investing in not only their knowledge within Religious Education, but also their own personal faith journey.
The Religious Education department organises retreat days for each class in KS3 and KS4, where they are given the opportunity to discuss and explore in an informal environment issues of personal faith and ethical action. These retreats are organised in form groups and encourage classes to form a sense of team spirit and mutual responsibility.
Liturgical prefects: are elected in each form and plan activities to promote the spiritual and moral development of students. For example, special prayer services are held on the anniversary of the Grenfell fire. The Religious department believes it is very important to show awareness and support for the wider community. Each form attends its own mass in the chapel; this encourages them to reflect on their spirituality during the academic year.
Philosophy club: The department runs a weekly KS3 ‘Philosophy club’ which encourages students to ask big questions in an informal setting.
Visit to St. Mary’s University: All those who study A level philosophy of Religion will have opportunity to visit and attend seminars.
Homework
Two pieces of homework are set in for every class each week. Homework tasks vary, sometimes expressing an opinion, writing an evaluation essay, researching a topic, explaining an issue or completing a creative task. It is expected to be completed for the following lessons. It is designed to extend and consolidate learning.
Useful links for help with homework:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zh3rkqt
Careers
Religious Education teaches a number of transferrable skills and helps students to apply their knowledge and understanding.
Studying RE could lead to a great number of careers. These include:
Activist, Administrative Coordinator, Author, Charity Coordinator, Child & Youth Worker, Clergyperson, Community Centre Director, Community Developer, Diplomat, Entrepreneur, Foreign Service Worker, Historian, Human Rights Advocate, International Aid Worker, Journalist, Lawyer, Legal Aide, Lobbyist, Media Correspondent, Mediator, Minister, Missionary, Museum Curator, Non-Profit Administrator, Political Consultant, Public Policy Advisor, Religious Rights Advocate, Researcher, Social Worker, Teacher, Victim’s Advocate and Writer.
Overall, the study of RE is holistic and develops our students into world citizens.