Key Stage 3

1. Home
2. Philosophy, Religion and Ethics
3. Key Stage 3

Year 7

Intent

Students will explore both religious and humanist perspectives across time, from the beginnings of ancient religion and spirituality to modern religious beliefs. They will develop a clear understanding and appreciation of the six main world religions, considering how they have been shaped by society and have shaped society. They will be supported and encouraged to draw comparisons, identifying common beliefs and contrasting practices. They begin to explore the historical and social impact of religion and embark on philosophical debate on key issues such as the existence of God and whether Jesus was the Son of God or not.

Learning Journey

Skill Development

Students will develop the following skills;

a) Critical thinking- Learning how to assess a source and question the credibility and truth within it. Students will hone this skill throughout the year and ultimately become philosophers who can question the existence of God.

b) Empathy – Understanding the human experience. Students will reflect on key teachings such as equality, love and forgiveness and learn how to apply them to modern society.

Evaluation – Being able to make a rational judgement with supporting evidence. Students will develop their written and oral skills through a series of open-ended questions encouraging them to create their own arguments which will be shaped in class.

Year 8

Intent

Building on their Year 7 experience, students deepen their understanding of religious and non-religious beliefs and practices. They now explore religion and ethics, focusing on some of the key religious figures throughout history and the 21st century. In doing so, students explore the notion and importance of possessing a moral compass, the extent to which this is guided by religion and how it has influenced the lives and actions of others. This leads to them considering how a moral compass can guide and influence their own lives.

Learning Journey

Skill Development

Students will develop the following skills;

a) Understanding Bias- Developing awareness of the prejudice against one or a group of people by understanding sensationalism in the media and the way religions are represented.

b) Global Citizenship- Encouraging students to become involved with global issues and discuss ways in which they can contribute to the betterment of society

Ethical Decision Making- The ability to make tricky decisions that have impact on themselves or others and the ability to assess and make moral judgements.

Year 9

Intent

Building further on existing knowledge of both religious and humanist (non-religious) beliefs and practices, our Year 9 students consider the relationship between religion and philosophy in greater depth. They will study the development of philosophy from the Ancient Greeks to the modern era, and explore how attitudes and ideas about our existence have changed and been challenged over time. They will become increasingly confident in making well informed, supported judgements on moralistic issues.

Learning Journey

Skill Development

Students will develop the following skills;

a) Analysing sources- Students will review and reflect on religious and non-religious sources and be able to annotate and explain complex theories

b) Evaluation- Students will assess the nature of theoretical answers to complex questions in current society

Philosophical Enquiry- Students will be able to consider existence and ethics as we understand them and be able to propose responses to moral, theological and secular ideas.