Overview
Ethics is academically enriching because it is a multidisciplinary subject that requires intercultural literacy. Study of the world’s religions develops unique cultural sensitivity among pupils.
Ethics crosses the boundary between objective evidence and subjective experience. It enables pupils to recognise the influence religious traditions have over contemporary issues that impact human society on an international level. It builds the diverse skills required for many avenues of future academic study.
Pupils gain culture capital from language, history, tradition, and religious stories that are reflected in literature. Pupils need to be aware of the beliefs and practices of the 6 major world religions to enable them to understand the world they live in, and human history. So, in Key Stage 3, we explore the world’s most prevalent and influential religions, along with an introduction to philosophy and ethics to explore interest in further academic studies. The study of ethics develops discussion and debating skills along with empathy and understanding.
In Key Stage 4, pupils will consider ethical questions such as if there is a God, why is there so much evil and suffering? When does life begin? Should euthanasia be made legal? Can war/capital punishment/terrorism ever be justified? They will consider their own opinion about these questions and the views of others. Pupils will think deeply about the issues relating to the topics, will join in debates and express their opinion. They will develop their knowledge and understanding of different belief systems in relation to specific issues. Within these topics both religious and non-religious perspectives are considered.
The main religious viewpoints studied are Christianity and Islam. Humanist, atheist and agnostic viewpoints are also covered to give non-religious perspectives.
Year 7
Term 1 – Introduction to Judaism
Term 2 – Introduction to Christianity
Term 3 – Introduction to Islam
Year 8
Term 1 – Dharmic faiths
Term 2 – Arguments for and against the existence of God
Term 3 – Sikh beliefs and practices
Year 9
Term 1 – Crime and punishment
Term 2 – Rights, responsibilities and medical ethics
Term 3 – Religious extremism and ethics in the modern world
Year 10
Term 1 – Religion and life; Christian beliefs
Term 2 – Relationships and family; Christian practices
Term 3 – Christian practices; peace and conflict
Year 11
Term 1 – Peace and conflict; Islamic beliefs
Term 2 – Islamic beliefs; crime and punishment
Term 3 – Revision
Exam board
AQA GCSE Religious Studies (8062)