Autumn Term

How do we express meaning?
Students begin with the exploration of expressing meaning through the different forms of symbolic language. Each lesson will focus on the different symbolic expressions, such as actions, symbols, clothing and food.  Students will have the opportunity to study both religious and world views on the concept of identity and expressing meaning.

Why are rules for living significant?
Developing on from expressing meaning, students examine religious and non-religious rules and how following these impact society. Students will justify the importance of following rules and how these can be an expression for meaning. Finally, students will reflect on the types of rules they follow and the nature of these.

Spring Term

What is the nature of God?
In this topic, students will examine religious and non-religious views of God. Through sacred scripture, students will explore interpretations of the nature of God and how these inspire an understanding of what it means to believe in God. Students will also draw comparisons between the various beliefs about God.

Summer Term

Why should we care about the environment?
Students will develop a deep sense of awe and wonder for the world about us. They will also consider the idea that individuals are not self-sufficient but are dependent upon others and the resources of the natural world.Students will examine the nature of human relationship with the world. They will explore the concept of stewardship and the impact of this on the behaviour of believers and evaluate the importance of preserving the environment as a form of worship.

Autumn Term

Why is religious pluralism and diversity important?
Students will examine the origins of diversity and how the changing demographic of the UK has influenced attitudes towards others. They will examine important themes such as respect and tolerance as well as responding to issues about interfaith.

Spring Term

How do we make decisions?
In this topic students consider the question of how decisions are made and the impact of beliefs on behaviour. Exploring both religious codes of conduct, students will predict how these inform decisions. Students will also examine different ethical decision making theories.

Summer Term

Life, death and beyond
In the final topic of the year, students will reflect on the purpose of life and how this is influenced by the beliefs about the afterlife. Students will also consider ideas about belief, morals and faith. This unit culminates in a debate about whether religion adds meaning and purpose to life.

Autumn Term

What makes us virtuous?
In the first half term, students examine Aristotle’s Golden Mean of virtues. Students engage in debates on the qualities that make up a ‘good’ person and how the excess or deficiency of certain virtues can lead to vices. Focussing on virtuous women in scripture, students reflect on how virtues are demonstrated in religion. Finally, students consider.

How are ways of commitment demonstrated?
In this topic, students examine the origins of the four Greek loves and human relationships. Students will evaluate different forms of commitment focussing on the question: Why do humans seek commitment and what does this teach us about human nature?

Spring Term

How do religions explain and respond to suffering?
Developing on human behaviour, students will explore the nature of suffering and how religions respond to questions raised about the nature of God. Students will also reflect on Buddhist responses to suffering through the study of the Eightfold Path and evaluate its impact.

Summer Term

How can we respond to persecution?
Finally, students will draw upon their learning from the previous topics to help respond to the nature of persecution. Students will also engage in meaningful discussions about whether believing in God makes it easier to deal with persecution.