Ethics and Morality
KS3 Ethics and Morality
Intent
Our aim is to provide a curriculum which is engaging, coherent, challenging and inclusive of all learners. Ethics and Morality enables students to engage critically with significant ethical, philosophical and social issues in order to understand the world we live in more fully.
Students will learn about a wide range of religious beliefs and practices, including non-religious world views. They do this for the development of their knowledge, for their capacity to flourish in our diverse society, and for their growing understanding of their own identity and outlook. Learners are encouraged to develop their own considered opinion, to articulate their views, and to engage in productive dialogue and debate with others.
Our curriculum enables students to understand how religious identity influences people’s lives and learners will be encouraged to express their own considered opinions about the nature and value of religion on people and the planet.
Students will develop the skills of listening, speaking and discussing, as well as those of enquiry, analysis and evaluation.
Our KS3 curriculum is ambitious and matches the breadth of study detailed in the Agreed Syllabus for RE.
Curriculum sequence
Year 7 |
What is Ethics and Morality? (including religious discrimination) |
Festivals |
Should we give aid? |
Buddhism |
Religion in the Media |
Rites of passage |
Year 8 |
New Religious movements |
Is God a Scientist? |
Crime and Punishment |
Sources of Authority |
Sikhism |
Medical Ethics |
Each unit is approximately 6 weeks in length.
Meeting the needs of SEND and disadvantaged students
In line with whole-school priorities, Ethics and Morality teachers place SEND and Pupil premium students at the core of our lesson planning. Key to ensuring this is consistent high quality teaching and challenge for all.
Particular strategies used for SEND and Pupil Premium students are:
- Regular checking of understanding in lessons through targeted questioning
- Regular bespoke feedback verbally and in books
- Providing students with key word sheets
- Retrieval opportunities particularly in starter tasks
- Writing frames are provided to assist students with longer evaluative answers
- Seating plans are regularly reviewed to ensure learners are placed in the most optimum position for them in the classroom
Retention
Our curriculum is taught to be remembered. Retrieval practice is embedded into lessons, students regularly complete retrieval grids and quizzing.
Homework
One piece per fortnight or a large piece of homework to replace this over a unit.
Assessment
Students are assessed using formal assessments for every topic area. They will receive feedback through the CAR system. Students then improve their work as part of a feedback lesson.
Contact:
Mrs G Hawthorne
ghawthorne@st-birinus.oxon.sch.uk
Mrs A Scanlan
ascanlan@st-birinus.oxon.sch.uk
GCSE Religious Studies
This exciting course challenges students 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 and the ability to work with abstract ideas. These skills will help them prepare for future study.
Students will be challenged with questions such as:
- Is there a God?
- Can God exist if there is so much evil and suffering in the world?
- Why do Muslims pray five times a day?
- Can euthanasia ever be justified?
- Should we use the death penalty for some crimes?
- Should charity begin at home?
The course is split into two components both assessed in Year 11.
Component 1: The study of religions, beliefs, teachings and practices
Students will learn about the beliefs, teachings and practices from Christianity and Islam.
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
50% of GCSE
Component 2: Thematic Studies
Students will study four religious, philosophical and ethical themes.
Theme A: Relationships and families
Theme B: Religion and Life
Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment
Theme F: Religion, human rights and social justice
Written Exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
50% of GCSE
Assessment and Progression
Examination Board:
AQA
Grading system:
1-9 (9 is highest)
Assessment:
2 final examinations
Paper 1 - The study of religion, beliefs, teachings and practices
1 hour 45 min exam
50% of GCSE
Paper 2 –Thematic Studies
1 hour 45 min exam
50% of GCSE
Exam questions are a mix of multiple-choice, short and long answers.
Progression to Post-16:
A-Level Religious Studies or Philosophy. Also useful for English and Sociology.
Future career links:
Any career involving working with people.
Contact:
Mrs Hawthorne
ghawthorne@st-birinus.oxon.sch.uk
Mrs Scanlan
ascanlan@st-birinus.oxon.sch.uk