KS3 Religion, Philosophy and Ethics

Year 7

Students will first study Ultimate Questions this gives an opportunity to express and discuss profound philosophical questions. Following this, students are taught the basic beliefs and practices of the some of the main faiths of the UK. Students will then have an introduction to the idea of God and the philosophical discussions surrounding the definition of God. In Judaism, there is an opportunity to look at key aspects of Jewish life such as Bar Mitzvah, Kosher food and Shabbat. In Christianity they study the role of the Bible, Jesus and baptism. In the Islam topic they investigate the impact of the Qur’an, Ramadan, halal food and the Hajj. During Buddhism they discover the Buddha and his teachings. Religion and Community Cohesion brings all topics together and explores a multi faith Britain.

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Ultimate Questions God

Introduction to Judaism

Introduction to Christianity

Introduction to Islam

Introduction to Buddhism

Year 8

In Creation students will have the opportunity to debate the arguments between religion and science about the creation of the world. In the Life after Death topics students will consider different religious viewpoints on life after death whilst studies death rituals from some of the main faiths of the UK. Through Good, Evil and Forgiveness topic students will have the opportunity to reflect upon the concepts of morality, free will and forgiveness and relate these concepts to different world religions. Within the final term they will then be exploring a selection of the lesser known Alternative Religions such as the Baha’i faith, Jediism, the Rastafari movement and cults and in the topic Spirituality, students will explore the concepts of prayer, worship and pilgrimage alongside what it means to express spirituality.

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Creation

Life and Death

Good and Evil

Forgiveness

Alternative Religions

Spirituality

Year 9

Religion and the media is the first topic in Year 9 and the pupils will be analysing the relationship between religion and the media. This includes controversial issues like the battle between human rights like freedom of speech and the freedom to religious expression. Peace and Protest allows students to explore the concept of peace and investigate religious viewpoints on this issue. Gandhi and non-violent protest is a key focus here as well as Martin Luther King, where students are able to consider the impacts of his actions on the civil rights campaign. Medical ethics is an opportunity to apply ethical theory to issues such as abortion, euthanasia and fertility treatment. We also investigate the ethics behind organ donation and artificial intelligence. In Persecution students will investigate examples of religious persecution, in particular, a focus on the Holocaust thus being able to create a reflective journal.  Ethics and Justice gives the pupils an introduction to the British criminal justice system as well as another chance to discuss applied ethics in preparation for GCSE topics to come. Fighting for Justice looks at the concept of justice and study examples of religious figures that have fought for justice globally.

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Religion and the Media

Peace and Protest

Medical Ethics

Persecution

Ethics and Justice

Wealth and Poverty

Homework: A variety of activities are set in RPE. Such as, reflections, research, essays, extended answers, GCSE style questions, project work and revision.

Other Useful Information

5 ways I can help my child

1

Talk to your child about what they have been studying in school. Share your thoughts on concepts that your child has discussed at school.

2

Debate topical issues, demonstrating a balanced argument.

3

Watch the news and read news articles with your child asking them questions that check they have understood the report and ask them to give their opinions.
4 Encourage them to read around the subject.

5

Talk to them about their progress and attainment.