Religious Studies
What is the intent of the Religious Studies Curriculum?
Through the study of Religious Studies we aim to develop our students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes in line with the IB learner profile, which aims to develop learners as inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, risk-takers, reflective and balanced individuals.
Religious Studies is taught as one of the Humanities subjects. Michelle Obama said of the Humanities:
“The arts and humanities define who we are as a people. That is their power -- to remind us of what we each have to offer, and what we all have in common. To help us understand our history and imagine our future. To give us hope in the moments of struggle and to bring us together when nothing else will.”
The aim of Religious Studies is to inform and challenge beliefs and practices. It aims to open student’s minds to the endless possibilities and wonders of this world that we live in whilst acknowledging our place in the wider universe. We teach Religious Studies in KS3 and as a GCSE option in KS4. Across the curriculums and specifications, we focus on skills acquisition including research, comparison, critical thinking, analysis and evaluation. Students will need to be open minded to learning new knowledge and be prepared to think in terms of learning about religion and learning from religion.
Co-curricular and Enrichment opportunities
- Trips to places of worship
- Co-curricular projects
- Participation in Art Competitions
- Trips with History to Krakow, Poland including visits to Auschwitz and the Oscar Schindler Museum
Years 7, 8 & 9
IB MYP Religious Studies
At the Skinners' Kent Academy, our MYP IB Religious Studies curriculum is designed to provide students with a rich knowledge of the beliefs and practices of global religions, traditions and beliefs. Students engage in systematic inquiry of content, gaining an understanding and appreciation of views. Students are equipped with the skills to appraise these perspectives and are challenged to think independently, empowered with their own sense of agency.
The RS Curriculum fosters the qualities of the IB learner profile. Students develop as global citizens, recognise the common humanity between all people, and our shared responsibility to enable the world to flourish.
Lessons are designed with rigour, are tailored to meet the needs of all students, and provide ample opportunity for independent practice. Students are formally assessed according to the IB MYP assessment criteria twice a year. The designed assessments foster student interest and passion.
Our curriculum strives to serve our students to explore their own spirituality, be courageous in thinking, articulate their views, dialogue with those from diverse backgrounds, and embolden them to carve out their own meaning in life.
Years 7, 8 & 9
In MYP RS students begin by exploring the inquiry question ‘what are the fundamentals of belief?’ From this inquiry, students then explore all six major world religions, religious history and traditions, philosophical issues and ethical debates. Students also study the beliefs of those who do not have a religion.
Students are exposed to a knowledge rich curriculum, are challenged to apply this knowledge in evaluative extended writings tasks and engage in classroom dialogue to foster their understanding and thinking of issues studied. Students are assessed using the following criteria:
A: Knowledge & Understanding
B: Investigating
C: Communication
D: Critical Thinking
Years 10 & 11
Course Title: Religious Studies A (8062)
Exam Board: AQA
Qualification: GCSE
About the course
The GCSE covers two of the major world religions (Christianity and Judaism), and four contemporary ethical themes.
Students will be challenged with questions about belief, values, meaning, purpose and truth, enabling them to develop their own attitudes towards religious issues.
Students will also gain an appreciation of how religion, philosophy and ethics form the basis of our culture. They will develop analytical and critical thinking skills, the ability to work with abstract ideas, leadership, and research skills. All these skills will help prepare them for further study
How it is assessed
Component 1: The study of religions, Christianity & Judaism: beliefs, teachings and practices
Component 2: Thematic Studies – there are six and we choose four of these. Religious, philosophical, and ethical studies of the following four areas:
- Theme A: Relationships and families.
- Theme B: Religion and life.
- Theme D: Religion, peace and conflict.
- Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment.
Each component is assessed by written exam of 1 hour 45 minutes each.
For further information, please see here.
