Religious Education

“Religious Education makes a distinctive contribution to the school curriculum by developing pupils' knowledge and understanding of religion, religious beliefs, practices, language and traditions and their influence on individuals, communities, societies and cultures. It enables pupils to consider and respond to a range of important questions related to their own spiritual development, the development of values and attitudes and fundamental questions concerning the meaning and purpose of life”.

At Moulton School we look towards engaging pupils in rounded debates and discussions about the world around us and this is an essential component of a broad and balanced education. Religious Education is also concerned with the deep meaning that individuals and groups make of their experiences and how this helps them give purpose to their lives. It provides opportunities to explore, make and respond to the meanings of those experiences in relation to the beliefs and experiences of others as well as to one's own experiences.

Key Stage 3

In years 7 and 8 students receive 2 lessons per fortnight of this study programme. There are currently 4 assessments per year when students will consolidate their learning and progress.

The topics students learn about in year 7 are: 

• Introduction to RE – looking at different aspects and features of religion.
• Key religious figures – outlining the teachings and practices within various religions
• Christian beliefs about God – teachings of the Bible and linked practices
• Easter – the significance of this celebration and how it impacts on Christian beliefs
• Sikhism – to learn about religious beliefs in Sikhism

The topics students learn about in year 8 are: 

• Buddhism – the life of Buddha, the Eightfold Path, Precepts, Worship and Meditation
• Christian Ways of Life – influencing others, forgiveness, Christian love (agape) and grace
• Martin Luther King – his life and teachings including his fight against racism and discrimination
• Judaism – to learn about key figures in Judaism and the Jewish way of life

Parental Advice: Students are encouraged to keep up to date with current affairs especially where this impacts on religion in society. This enables good healthy discussion and debates which are a focus of our RE learning here at Moulton.

GCSE

GCSE – Option Students

In years 9,10 and 11 students receive 5 lessons per fortnight, and this is based on the new specification issued in 2016 for Religious Studies.  The study plan consists of two components:

• Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices for Christianity and Islam
• Component 2: Thematic studies for Christianity and Islam

The topics students learn about during this course are:

Part One: The Study of Religions:

• Beliefs, teachings and practices –  for both religions: Christianity and Islam

Part Two: Thematic Studies:

• Relationships and families – for Christianity and Islam
• Religion and Life – for Christianity and Islam
• Religion, Peace and Conflict – for Christianity and Islam
• Religion, Crime and Punishment – for Christianity and Islam

Parental advice – This is a new and exciting course aimed at developing analysis and evaluation skills, which will be assessed through longer answer questions in the final exams.  Students will need to be able to retell and explain facts as well as demonstrate an understanding of religion and beliefs.  Key terms and religious viewpoints are tested regularly and the homework that students receive on Show My Homework will help to develop these skills.  There are many resources to aid this area of study including AQA Christianity and Islam, Kerboodle and Google Classroom.  Revision guides will also be available for students to enhance their learning and progress.  It is important that students are aware of the world around them and to this end, we would encourage looking at current affairs particularly with religious, moral or ethical topics.