We aim to provide a broad-based curriculum in Religious Studies which students will increase their knowledge and understanding of the world we live in whilst being encouraged to respond to significant questions of meaning and value in a caring and sharing ethos.
Assemblies focus on memorial days such as Remembrance Day and the Holocaust Memorial Day. Students also gain information about RISE values, British values and the importance of respect.
The Contribution of Religious Education/ Studies to the Purposes of Education
Religious Education supports the purposes of the whole curriculum. The 2002 Education Act states that all pupils should follow a balanced and broadly based curriculum which:
1. Promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental, and physical development of learners.
At Kingswood Secondary Academy Religious Studies plays a significant role in the promotion of spiritual, moral, cultural, and mental development. Students explore a range of topics and learn about religion and society which provide them with the knowledge, skills and understanding to make informed judgements and moral choices. Through the study of religion, students discuss and debate challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human. For example, in year 7 students’ study ‘World Religions’ which develops knowledge and understanding of Christianity, other principal religions and religious traditions and world views. Students are provided with opportunities to reflect on their uniqueness as human beings, to share their feelings and emotions with others and appreciate the importance of forming and maintaining positive relationships. This is further explored in the ‘Prejudice and Discrimination’ unit which focuses on what it means to belong as well as learning about the benefits and challenges of living in an ethnically diverse society.
2. Prepares all learners for the opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences of later life.
Religious Studies helps students to become successful learners, confident individuals, and responsible citizens. It is an exciting, thought-provoking, and challenging subject relevant to students of all faiths and none. For example, in year 8, students’ study ‘Evil and Suffering’ and this unit promotes an enquiring approach in which students carefully consider issues of belief and truth in religion and other life viewpoints. Through the study of religion and the diversity of society, students develop independent and inter-dependent learning, and this makes an important contribution to their literacy and oracy. The ‘Moral Issues’ unit, for instance, seeks to develop students’ awareness of themselves and others, enabling them to develop a clear understanding of the significance of faith and belief in the world today. The different units of study also help students to develop moral awareness and social understanding.
At Kingswood Secondary Academy we offer a broad-based curriculum in Religious Studies. In years 7, 8 and 9 students study a range of topics which increases their knowledge and understanding of the world we live in whilst being encouraged to respond to significant questions of meaning and value in a caring and sharing ethos. Students can opt to study Religious Studies at Key Stage 4. The GCSE course includes Religion and Ethics through Christianity and Peace and Conflict through Islam.
The legal requirements of Religious Education
Withdrawal from Religious Education
To wholly withdraw or excuse your child from receiving Religious Education at Kingswood Secondary Academy please email email@example.com for further guidance and information.