Key Stage Three

Using Core Text Books from the series ‘The Way, The Truth and The Life’, students complete their KS3 Religious Studies in Years 7, 8 and 9.

Pupils work is assessed through a variety of means. Independent learning pursuits will also be enjoyed on a wide variety of researched based topics. Written, oral, class tests, peer assessments, group presentations, homework and internal end of year examinations will build a comprehensive picture of students as they cross each curriculum boundary. All studies are matched to and compliant with the New Curriculum Directory.

Students study three main areas. These are:

• Learning about religion.
• Learning from religion.
• Reflection and contemplation.

Within these areas students learn about:

• Beliefs, teaching and sources.
• Celebration and ritual.
• Social and moral practices and ways of life.
• Engagement with their own and others’ beliefs and values.
• Engagement with questions of meaning and purpose.

Year 7 Scheme of Work

At the start of the academic year Y7 students learn about the Founder of Coloma Convent and the history of the school. They then move on to developing their knowledge of the Bible with a focus on Revelation and the way in which God’s Promises are fulfilled. This naturally leads on to learning about Christ, the Church and the people of God. This is followed by the Sacraments and then learning about Christianity and other faiths.

Year 8 Scheme of Work

Year 8 students continue to study the same three areas. They begin the academic year by studying Creation and move on to learning about God’s Covenant with us; with links to Jewish beliefs and practices, for example the Seder meal. This is followed by a focus on Easter and the Mystery of the Eucharist. At the end of the year they learn about the Mission of the Church and the development of the Church in this country.

Year 9 Scheme of Work

Year 9 students begin the academic year by reflecting on questions of meaning, value and purpose and how sacrifice and suffering play a role in giving meaning to life. This leads on to learning some simplified versions of the cosmological and teleological arguments and consideration of the ways in which people have found God through personal and religious experiences. This is followed by a focus on the Gospels as divine revelation and analysis and evaluation of some of the similarities and differences between them. They move on to learning about Life in the Spirit, with a focus on the Sacrament of Confirmation. In the summer term the students conclude KS3 by learning about Morality and Conscience and Dialogue with other faiths.

Key Stage Four

GCSE Religious Studies Year 10 - AQA Code: 8063 - Specifications
GCSE Religious Studies Year 11 - AQA Code: 4050 - Specifications

Course Content - What will I study?

Year 10 - Unit 4: Catholicism: Ethics

Christian Values

• Christian Marriage.
• Christian Vocation.
• The Sacrament of Reconciliation.
• Christian healing.
• Christian responses to global issues.

Year 11 - Unit 3: Roman Catholicism

• Beliefs and Sources of Authority.
• Places of Worship.
• Worship.
• Sacraments of Initiation.
• Festivals.
• The Eucharist.

How will my progress be tested and examined?

There are two written examination papers each of 1.5 hours in length at the end of year 11. Student progress is also tracked by end of unit assessments in each year and end of year exam in Y10 and a mock exam in Y11.

Progression - How will the study of Religious Studies benefit students’ future education and career?

• Religious Studies deepens your understanding of your faith and provides you with a basis for nurturing your spirituality and your values throughout life.
• This subject is of great benefit for any career but particularly teaching, law, media, journalism or the caring professions.
• Your study of moral and social issues are also valued by the medical profession.
• Through this subject you will develop your ability to read, understand and analyse written texts and learn to evaluate critically

Students may wish to use the A Level qualification as a route to embark on a number of degree courses such as Law, Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Economics, Politics, Philosophy and Theology

Extra-Curricular Activities

• RS Film Club on Wednesdays after school 3.20-4.30.
• Light-fever: adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at Lunchtime on Thursdays.
• Discussion/ Faith group TBC.