Overview
At Jo Richardson Community School Religious Studies is a rigorous academic subject that engages students in asking questions as well as answering them. The study of key questions surrounding human existence is part of our curriculum and we also allow students the opportunity to examine the beliefs of world faiths. This subject provides students with the key skills necessary to be successful at school and in life, encouraging students to give their views and opinions whilst developing the skill of reasoning. We also focus on enquiry and evaluation.
Staff List
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Department staffing structure from September 2011
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Head of department
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Mrs A. R. Page
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Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
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Ms. V. A. Thain
Miss A. Duncan
Mrs. L. Buonaiuto
Mr. T. Jenner
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Key Stage 3
Students in Years 7 - 9 have one hour of Religious Studies a week in line with national requirements. Students in year 9 will study 2 of their 4 topics for the short course GCSE which they are likely to be entered for when they are in year 10 to allow them to complete the full course GCSE in year 11.
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Year 7
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Year 8
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Autumn term
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What is the 'Big Story' in the Bible?
In this topic we will look at the Big Story that is told in the Bible. We willl explore the ways different Christians interpret and understand their holy book.
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What is 'real'?
In this module, we explore ultimate questions and the concept of reality and how we know what is real. This is a foundation for how we study in Religious Studies.
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Who is Buddha?
Explore the life and teachings of Siddatta Gautama. Students will study the key events that led to the start of this belief system.
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What does justice mean to Christians?
Know what Christians mean when they talk about justice and how they believe Jesus wants them to work for justice. Explore ways in which Christians do this.
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Spring term
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Art in Heaven
In groups students research one of the major world religions and prepare a presentation for the rest of their class
Students complete their entry for the national art competition for Religious Studies.
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What does belief mean to a Muslim?
There are many misconceptions about Islam and what Muslims believe. This module focuses on 5 key Muslim beliefs about; God, angels, prophets, holy book and life after death.
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How do Sikh beliefs affect their actions?
This module explores the key beliefs in Sikhism and how this might affect a Sikh believer's life. We look at the different aspects of Sikh beliefs and how these relate to each other.
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Art in Heaven
In groups students research one of the major world religions and prepare a presentation for the rest of their class
Students complete their entry for the national art competition for Religious Education
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Summer term
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What are we doing to the Environment?
This module examines ways in which religious and worldviews express beliefs about the natural world in which we live. Students will understand the arguments involved in debates about the environment. Students will consider their own contributions to this topic.
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Why is it sometimes hard to believe in God?
This module examines types of suffering and different causes of it. We explore different religious responses to this question and give our own personal responses to it.
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Key Stage 4
Religious Studies now offers different pathways and there are currently two programmes of study for GCSE . The tables below show the current and future overviews of what this means for our students. Information on the 2 units can be found at: http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse09/rs/Pages/default.aspx
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Year 9
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Year 10
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Year 11
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Autumn term
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Introduction to the GCSE course: Planet X
End of unit test
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Peace and Conflict
End of unit test
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Believing in God
(Short course: Rights and Responsibilities/Environmental and Medical issues)
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Spring Term
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Rights and Responsibilities
End of unit test
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Environment and Medical Issues
End of unit test
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Matters of Life and Death
(Short course: Peace and Conflict)
Community Cohesion
(Short course: Crime and Punishment)
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Summer term
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Crime and Punishment
End of unit test
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Short course GCSE Examination
Marriage and the Family
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Revision
Short course and Full course GCSE examination
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6th Form
Religious Studies AS level is offered . The two units studied are An introduction to Religion and Ethics and An introduction to Philosophy of Religion. This will continue into the A2 course next year. Information on this programmes of study are available in the specification at http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/humanities/religious_studies_materials.php?id=10&prev=10
Homework Policy
The school now has a policy for homework that involves extended projects at year 7 and 8. The year 7 project is based around pilgrimage and year 8 is based on the life of Martin Luther King.
Marking Policy
Our department follows the whole school marking policy. A key aspect of assessment in our department is self and peer assessment to enable students to know where they are in the learning, where they are going and how to get there.