Years 7-9

The religious education department at Walton Academy appreciates that we live in a multi-faith society where tolerance and mutual respect between religious communities is extremely important. We strive for each student to gain an informed understanding of world religions and place a strong emphasis on making philosophy, ethics and religion relevant to living in contemporary society. The themes we cover encourage critical thinking and analytical skills, while also building confidence to form well-reasoned opinions on controversial and challenging issues.*

Assessment

Students will complete regular unit assessments in class, usually one per unit. These will be formatively assessed by the teacher, with marks used to track student progress. Students will also be set regular homework tasks, which may include extended pieces of writing, research activities, producing artistic representations of their understanding, or revising for in-class tests.

Topics covered

At key stage 3, we follow the aims of the Lincolnshire Agreed Syllabus, which states that students should:

  • Learn about religion and explore human experience
  • Learn from religion and respond to human experience

Teaching is structured around key philosophical and ethical themes, including:

Philosophical questions

  • Where do we belong? (focus on Christianity)
  • What is sacred in Hinduism?
  • What is sacred in Islam?

Ethical thought and medical ethics

  • Where do we belong? (focus on Judaism)
  • What is sacred in Buddhism?

Years 10 and 11

Awarding body

WJEC/ Eduqas

Course overview

The study of religious studies at GCSE is fascinating and excellent preparation for a wide range of A Level courses and university degrees. Highly regarded by universities, the subject involves a study of philosophical, theological and ethical theories which underpin and structure our world today. An understanding of these ideas is essential to an engagement with key themes in politics, law, medicine, education, human rights and religion.

The subject is suitable for anyone who enjoys thinking critically, playing with abstract concepts and challenging received wisdom. Philosophers ask fundamental questions about our own nature, and of the world we live in. It is a challenging and exciting process, helping you to grow and develop intellectually while developing valuable and transferable skills in analysis, imagination, problem solving and communication.*

What will students study?

  • Component 1: Religious, philosophical and ethical studies in the modern world. Students
    study four key themes – relationships, life and death, good and evil, and human rights – exploring
    different perspectives, ethical principles, and their impact on individuals and society.
  • Component 2: Study of Christianity. Students will learn about the beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity, and explore practices such as pilgrimage, evangelism and the work of the world church. Views will be explored such as beliefs about creation, salvation and the afterlife.
  • Component 3: Study of Judaism. Views within Judaism in the way beliefs and teachings are
    understood and expressed will be included throughout the course of study. This will include
    practices such as festivals and life cycle rituals and beliefs such as the covenant and the
    chosen nation.

Assessment

Students are assessed at the end of the course through written examinations:

  • Component 1: written examination, 2 hours (50% of the qualification)
  • Component 2: written examination, 1 hour (25% of the qualification)
  • Component 3: written examination, 1 hour (25% of the qualification)

* Parents and carers have the right to request their child is withdrawn from all or parts of religious education. Requests can be made by contacting the academy at enquiries@walton-ac.org.uk.