Religious Education

R.E./Sociology/Philosophy

Facilities, Resources and Staffing

There are currently three full time members of staff in the team, which is situated in well-equipped rooms with its own office and ICT facilities.

Aims and Objectives

The team is committed to delivering thought-provoking programmes of study which aim to: -

  • Expose students to a diversity of views and to encourage a respectful attitude towards those whose views differ from their own
  • Encourage students to question assumptions
  • Develop students' critical thinking skills.

Key Stage 3 Religious Education

The team aims to deliver a truly relevant, modern and demanding Religious Education programme, using a variety of teaching styles and thought-provoking resources. The focus is upon contemporary moral issues and philosophical questions. Students are encouraged to develop opinions based upon thought and reason. They will also consider the validity of responses to these issues by the major world faiths.

The programme is structured by the guidelines of the Cheshire Agreed Syllabus and the AQA GCSE Short Course specification ('Thinking about God and Morality').

All students will have the opportunity to sit the GCSE Short Course examination at the end of Year 9.

Students have one lesson each week.

Key Stage 4 Religious Education

Religious Education remains an important part of the curriculum for all students at Key Stage 4. Students continue to use the skills and attitudes developed at Key Stage 3 through the RE elements of the Citizenship programme.

Students who are enthusiastic about developing these skills and attitudes in greater depth may also opt for the full GCSE RE course (AQA 'Thinking about God and Morality' and 'Truth, Spirituality and Contemporary Issues').

Key Stage 5 Sociology and Philosophy

There are two groups studying at both AS and A2 level.

Philosophy

There are two groups studying at AS level and one group at A2.

In both of these popular subjects, students are encouraged to engage in a rigorous study of theories and to develop sophisticated, critical responses. The team is keen to use a variety of teaching styles and thought-provoking resources and to provide a challenging but supportive learning environment for all students.

Results

The team continues to develop strategies to support all students in achieving their full potential.

Extra-curricular activities

The Debating Society (for students in Key Stages 4 and 5) and the Junior Debating Society (Key Stage 3) meet on a regular basis.

The debates are planned and organised by the students and have included a wide range of social, philosophical and moral issues such as:

  • The war with Iraq
  • The election
  • Fox hunting
  • Parents' right to smack

Involvement in the Debating Society can count as credit towards the 'Silver' Leadership Award.