We seek to introduce the pupils to the varied nature of religious experience. We aim to promote an understanding of what religion is, to recognise the place of religion in society past and present and to be aware of the influence that religion has on all people. It is hoped that pupils will acquire an understanding of what it means to take a religion seriously and to empathise with a religious believer and anyone with strong beliefs.
In Years 7, 8 and 9 we follow the Norfolk Agreed Syllabus for RE. It aims to help students ‘Learn about Religion’ and ‘Learn from Religionl, enabling pupils to progress through levels of achievement, building their understanding of the complex culture and society in which we live.
All pupils in Year 10 take Full Course GCSE Religious Studies during Ethics and Society lessons. Pupils look at social and moral issues from a Christian perspective, as well as reflecting on their own views.
All students at Dereham Northgate study Ethics and Society and are given the opportunity to achieve an excellent grade in the Full Course GCSE Religious Studies. This is recognised by colleges as strong preparation for A-Level. Students will reflect on their own beliefs, consider their responses to contemporary moral and philosophical issues and sharpen their reasoning skills in both class debates and their own writing. They will develop important communication skills that will equip them for life beyond the classroom. Some students will also have the opportunity to take Citizenship at GCSE.
Why does everyone study Ethics and Society GCSE?
It prepares students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. Ethics and Society provides academic rigour as suitable preparation for A Level studies; it develops interpersonal skills useful for many career paths. It promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural and academic development of students. GCSE years are formative for students in building their own worldview. It enables students to cultivate an understanding of the world around them and their moral compass. It is also the law! Religious Studies is a core subject alongside English, Maths and Science. The modern world need young people who are sufficiently confident in their own beliefs and values that they can respect the religious and cultural differences of others, and contribute to society.
What is studied in Ethics and Society?
Students will follow Edexcel’s Religious Studies Specification B, which will focus on the core beliefs and lifestyles of Christians and Muslims and also responses to contemporary issues in society.
Christian views on: belief in God (God’s nature, Jesus, science, origins of life and suffering); marriage and the family (key practices, types of family, marriage, sexual relationships, divorce and contraception); lifestyle (worship, prayer, pilgrimage, the Church and its future); matters of life and death (abortion, euthanasia, life after death, equality and roles of men and women).
Muslim views on: belief in Allah (Allah’s nature, Pillars of Islam, angels, prophets, peace and suffering); crime and punishment (life after death, causes of crime, aims of punishment, treatment of criminals, justice and forgiveness); lifestyle (Holy books, pilgrimage, gibing, prayer, fasting and festivals); peace and conflict (causes of conflict, Just War, Peace and Holy War and pacifism).
Key aspects of the Personal, Social, Health and Economic Awareness Education curriculum (PSHEE) will also be addressed through these lessons. Topics such as sex and relationships, healthy lifestyles, the impact of drugs and economic awareness will be addressed and considered. Those students who study Citizenship at GCSE will cover living together in the UK, democracy at work in the UK and law and justice.
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