Religion and Philosophy

Introduction

RP is a rigorous, academic subject. Our aim is to develop strong critical thinking skills, which will enable our students to fully analyse and evaluate a variety to different philosophical, religious and ethical views.

The subject provides a platform for students to understand the world we live in, the issues that people face across the world, the philosophical and ethical viewpoints of a number of religions, cultures and societies whilst exploring British Values in every topic covered.

Our students have the opportunity to discuss, explore and value different opinions and views in a safe and respectful environment.

Contact details

Please contact the Head of Department Ms Rigby for more information via S.Rigby@ccfplus.com

What your child will be learning (curriculum mapping)

To view the Curriculum Overview document please click here.

To view the modules studied each term, please click here.

Aims and enrichment

Aims

We aim to build an RP curriculum which develops learning and results in the acquisition of rich knowledge and skills. By doing this we will Increase the understanding students have of the diversity of belief, cultural and religious practice locally, nationally and globally. We aim to develop student interest in the study of different religions, cultures and philosophy, arousing their curiosity so that they possess an intrinsic motivation to learn more about the subject.

Enrichment

All pupils in Year 8 will be taken on a trip to St Paul’s Cathedral to see the history and influence of Christianity on London as part of their study of the religion.

As part of the GCSE units of study, Year 10 pupils will visit a local synagogue to view a Jewish place of worship and discuss their learning with the rabbi. Year 10 also take an ethics trip into London.

In Year 11, the GCSE pupils will visit Neasden Temple as part of their study of Hinduism.

CCF also attend Holocaust memorial day commemorations at Finchley reform Synagogue.

Furthermore, a Philosophy club is offered on Thursdays after school.

Key stage 3

Year 7

Term one: How did religion develop?
Term two: Biblical literacy: What is the story of the Old Testament?
Term three: What does it mean to be Jewish in Modern Britain?

Year 8

Term one: Biblical literacy: What is the story of the New Testament?
Term two: What does it mean to be Muslim in modern Britain?
Term three: What does it mean to be a Hindu in modern Britain?

Year 9

Term one: Philosophical questions
Term two: Ethical theory and the sanctity of life
Term three: Religious ethics: Human relationships

Key stage 4

Exam Board: AQA

This GCSE is optional and made up of two exams of 1 hour 45 minutes each.

The GCSE course at CCF covers two of the the major world religions (Christianity and Islam), and four contemporary ethical themes, ensuring students have a diverse choice of intriguing subjects to explore. Students will be challenged 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, the ability to work with abstract ideas, leadership and research skills. All these skills will help prepare them for further study.

The course is taught in the following order:

Year 10

Paper 1 The study of religions: Beliefs teachings and practice Christianity beliefs and practices Islam belief and practices
Paper 2: Thematic Studies
Theme B religion and life

Year 11

Paper two: Thematic studies
Theme A Relationships and families
Theme D Religion, peace and conflict
Theme E Religion, Crime and punishment

Key stage 5

Exam Board: OCR A level Religious Studies H573

The A Level course at CCF provides a coherent and thought-provoking programme of study. Students develop their understanding and appreciation of religious beliefs and teachings, as well as the disciplines of ethics and the philosophy of religion. The course consists of three papers of 2 hours each:

Paper 1: Philosophy of religion

Ancient philosophical influences
The nature of the soul, mind and body
Arguments about the existence or non-existence of God
The nature and impact of religious experience
The challenge for religious belief of the problem of evil
Ideas about the nature of God
Issues in religious language.

Paper 2: Religious Ethics

Normative ethical theories
The application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance
Ethical language and thought
Debates surrounding the significant idea of conscience
Sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious beliefs.

Paper 3: Developments in religious thought

Religious beliefs, values and teachings, their interconnections and how they vary historically and in the contemporary world
Sources of religious wisdom and authority
Practices which shape and express religious identity, and how these vary within a tradition
Significant social and historical developments in theology and religious thought
Key themes related to the relationship between religion and society.