Religious Studies

STAFFING IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Religious Studies is taught by four teachers; these include Ms K Adjei-Teacher in charge of Religious Studies, Mr P Nketia, Mr B Galoria and Ms S Miah.
 
AIMS OF THE DEPARTMENT
Religion has always been with us. Throughout history, it has expressed the deepest questions human beings can ask, and it has taken a central place in the lives of virtually all civilisations and cultures. Religion has always been a gateway to learning. Technology and science have changed our view of the world, nevertheless religion is still powerful and persistent, and it shows no signs of disappearing. It provokes sincere commitment, eloquent expression, direct action, and intense debate. It provides the opportunity to understand self.
 
Our aim is to develop well balanced and tolerant citizens aware of the benefits of a diverse, religious and secular community and achieve academic success. We have achieved consistently good results at GCSE with the legacy specification. This year will be the first with the new specification. Also this will be the first attempt to enter the majority of students for a full GCSE.   The department’s objective is to increase the number of students achieving an A* - C grade at GCSE and to increase the number of educational visits to enhance students awareness of religion within the community.
Pupils’ contribute to Religious Studies and the wider community in a number of ways, including:
  • Year 9 and KS4 pupils involved in the Newham Pupil SACRE
  • Pupil voice continues to inform decisions made with regards to the curriculum and how pupils are taught.
  • The department encourages pupils to consider local charities and pupils have been donating money towards a local hospice.
  • Pupils consider their personal roles in the school, community and globally
  • Pupils look at international and local charities
 
In RS pupils also develop workplace and other skills that will contribute to their economic wellbeing, including:
  • KS3 Pupils study responses of faith to money , wealth and responsibility
  • KS4 Pupils study religious ideas and responses to wealth poverty and economic well being.
  • RS teaches key skills of communication, problem solving and use ICT as a learning tool. 
  • Teachers constantly refer to work environment when discussing issues
  • Teachers talk about the workplace, moral and immoral occupations
 
Useful websites :
 
THE RELIGIOUS STUDIES CURRICULUM
 
The Religious Studies Curriculum in Year 7
In Year 7 pupils study Religious Studies alongside Geography and History as part of Humanities for 4 hours a week and undertake three units of work. 
1.       Our place and us
2.      Sustaining body and soul
3.       Journeys
The Religious Studies Curriculum in Year 8
In Year 8 pupils study Religious Studies for 1 hour a week and undertake six units of work. 
1.      Peace and conflict
2.       Rites of passage
3.       Jesus
4.       Eastern religions
5.       Religious beliefs about the environment
6.       Beliefs about life after death
 
The Religious Studies Curriculum in Year 9
In Year 9 pupils study Religious Studies or 1 hour a week and undertake five units of work. 
1.      Suffering
2.       Prejudice and discrimination
3.       Human rights and global issues
4.       How does media influence our lives?
5.      What is truth?
 
The Religious Studies Curriculum in Year 10
In Year 10 pupils study Religious Studies for 1 hour a week and undertake 6 units of work. Pupils follow OCR specification Philosophy and Applied Ethics.
1.      Religion and human relationships
2.       Religion and medical ethics
3.       Religion poverty and wealth
4.      Beliefs about deity
5.       Religious and spiritual experience
6.      The end of life
 
The Religious Studies Curriculum in Year 11
In Year 11 pupils study Religious Studies for 1 hour a week and undertake 6 units of work. 
1.      Beliefs about deity
2.      Religious and spiritual experience
3.      The end of life
4.       Good and evil
5.      Religion reason and revelation
6.       Religion and science
 
ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNING
Our department marks work regularly giving diagnostic comments and targets for future improvement. Students use peer and self assessment to monitor progress in Religious studies. Teachers and pupils set targets that are monitored each term. 
 
ATTAINMENT IN OUR DEPARTMENT
Results at end of Key Stage 3 (Level 5+)
 
2008
2009
2010
Level 5+
48%
49%
57%
 
Results at end of Key Stage 4 (A*-C)
 
2008
2009
2010
RS GCSE
36%
83%
90%