Philosophy, Religion and Ethics
The PRE Department is the study of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics, and aims to educate students in religious and philosophical disciplines, including the study of religious texts, histories, beliefs, practices, and ethics.
The department aims to:
- Educate students in the knowledge and skills they need to think in an open minded way about religion and matters of faith.
- Encourage critical and ethical reasoning about personal beliefs and institutional religious practices, asking how religious, philosophical and non-religious worldviews may affect attitudes and beliefs.
- Explore how religions are lived and practised in local communities and global contexts.
- Cultivate a sense of responsibility for communities informed by the study of theology and religion.
Our PRE lessons provide opportunity for students to progress through the:
- Philosophy core skills of critical thinking, creating and articulating coherent arguments, engaging in open-minded reflection which may include challenging pre-conceptions and questioning assumptions.
- Theology core skills including learning about the origins, core beliefs and core practices of religions; understanding sources of wisdom and authority of religions, including hermeneutical investigations where appropriate; linking beliefs to practice; evaluating divergent beliefs; and comparing and contrasting varied interpretations within and between religious traditions and non-religious worldviews.
- Ethics core skills of analysing real-world issues of morality, and considering diverse viewpoints available to assess moral arguments and ethical perspectives.
Key Stage 3
In Key Stage 3, PRE aims to develop the characteristics and key skills that help prepare all students for dealing with life in an open minded and critical way. It will raise awareness of other faiths, establish a sense of identity, and develop open and enquiring minds.
In Year 7 Students will study elements of community in ‘The Island’ unit, then will look at Inspiration and Authority, before investigating the beliefs and practices of Judaism and Christianity.
In Year 8 We will start with a unit on Symbolism and deeper meaning, then continue with beliefs and Practices within Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism. We will finish with Modules on Philosophy and Ethics.
In Year 9 We will conduct a critical analysis of Global issues and Religious responses to these, before moving onto the Holocaust. We then move onto Beliefs about God and Religion and the Media. Finally, we will finish with a study of the early histories of Islam and Christianity.
Key Stage 3 Curriculum Maps
Key Stage 4 Curriculum Maps
Key Stage 5 Curriculum Maps
To access the Super Curriculum for this subject please visit the Super Curriculum page HERE At Key Stage 3 parents can help by discussing the issues and topics we learn about in PRE. Many of these topics will be reflected in the wider world, in the news and in TV programmes. In PRE we encourage debate and discussion so parents can help by asking students what they are learning, and by asking them to explain the various religious, philosophical or ethical viewpoints on the issues. At Key Stage 4 parents can help by quizzing and testing students on their GCSE work – the text book has a list of revision questions at the end of each chapter, and if students were asked regularly about ANY of the topics they have already covered this would help them enormously in their learning. Testing and discussion does not have to be limited to the topic the students are studying right now, by asking them about something studied last year parents can help strengthen the learning over time! Bible Gateway – Good News Translation: https://www.biblegateway.com/ BBC Bitesize – Religious Studies: Christianity and Islam: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zb48q6f RS Revision: http://www.rsrevision.com/contents/index.htmSuper Curriculum
How can parents help at home?
Useful Links:
