RELIGIOUS STUDIES 

Religious Studies is taught as a separate subject within the Humanities Department and students are given every opportunity to participate in discussions covering all religious, moral and ethical issues.
Religious Studies has two closely related aspects: learning about religions and learning from religion.  Students are given the opportunity to develop a range of skills and understanding according to their ability.  They are:

1. to develop knowledge and understanding of the major world faiths including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism;

2. to develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues;

3. to develop an understanding of the influence of beliefs, values and traditions on individuals, communities, societies and cultures;

4. to develop spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness by asking fundamental questions of life, reflecting on beliefs and values and expressing personal viewpoints;

5. to recognise the right of people to hold different beliefs within a religiously diverse society.

At Barclay School we encourage open enquiry and offer opportunities for students to reflect on religious traditions and explore moral and social issues which arise from their own experiences.

Courses

Years 7 to 9 follow a framework provided by the Hertfordshire Agreed Syllabus.  The programme of study is thematic:

Year 7
What is religion?
Looking for God
Belonging to a Community
Signs and Symbols
Pilgrimages

Year 8
Celebrations of Freedom
The Real Me
Evil & Goodness

Year 9
Rites of Passage – The Journey of Life
The Holocaust
Suffering and Redemption
Moral Dilemas

Assessment
Class and homework is marked regularly with effort comments.  The progress of students is monitored through tests and assessment tasks throughout the year.

Year 10 Religious Studies (Short course)
GCSE courses offer the opportunity to study two religions through a thematic approach investigating the following issues:

* Religion and relationships

* Religion and environment

* Religion and war

* Religion and justice

* Religion and sanctity of life

In Years 10 and 11 Religious Studies is also delivered through assemblies and the PSHE programme.