Welcome to the RE and Philosophy Department

This subject is a part of the curriculum for all students in every year. At Harrow Way, the Hampshire County Council based National Curriculum Syllabus Living Difference IV is followed. Parents need to be aware, however, of their right to withdraw their children from the subject and if they wish to do so, should contact the Headteacher in writing, so that suitable alternative arrangements can be made. It is not the purpose of the teaching in this subject to indoctrinate the views of any one faith, but to provide a framework within which to study the major aspects of what is implied in any faith. Students are shown how this can be worked out in practice, giving students the opportunity to develop and test their own beliefs against these standards, and to study moral and ethical questions in the light of a variety of faiths.

As clearly laid down by National Curriculum Criteria, Christianity has to occupy a central place within this teaching. In addition, students will be introduced in some depth to Judaism, Islam and Buddhism. As students progress through KS3 they will also be introduced to Social and Moral issues as the entire curriculum is interleaved with our SMSC (Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural) topics which enhance learning and education.

Curriculum Content

Key Stage 3

Year 7

  • Animal Rights
  • Christianity; Agape, God, Church
  • What do religious people mean by Sacred?
  • What is the Trinity?

Year 8

  • Is Islam a Religion of Peace?
  • Buddhism; what is happiness?
  • Without the crucifixion would there be Christianity?
  • What is freedom?
  • Was Israel a Reward for the Holocaust?

Year 9

  • Issues of Relationships
  • Issues of Life and Death
  • Issues of Good and Evil
  • Issues of Human Rights
  • Murder

Key Stage 4

A GCSE Full Course option to study Philosophy and Ethics and Religious Education to examination level in Years 10 and 11 is offered through Eduqas. This new Edugas GCSE Religious Studies specification includes the following units:
Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World:

  • Theme 1: Issues of Relationships
  • Theme 2: Issues of Life and Death
  • Theme 3: Issues of Good and Evil
  • Theme 4: Issues of Human Rights
  • The study of Christianity
  • The study of Islam

Year 10

  • Christianity beliefs and teachings
    • The Nature of God
    • Creation
    • JC
    • Salvation
    • Eschatological beliefs
  • Christianity practices
    • Forms of worship
    • The sacraments
    • Pilgrimage and celebrations
    • Christianity in Britain
    • Worldwide Church
  • Islam; beliefs and teachings
    • What is Islam?
    • The Islamic Community
    • Foundations of Faith
    • Nature of Allah
    • Risalah
    • Malaikah
    • Akhirah
  • Islam; practices
    • 5 pillars
    • Jihad
    • Festivals and commemoration
    • 10 obligatory acts

Year 11

  • Spiral Curriculum: Philosophy and Ethics
    • Issues of Relationships
    • Issues of Life and Death
    • Issues of Good and Evil
    • Issues of Human Rights
  • Spiral Curriculum: Christianity and Islam.
    • Christianity; beliefs and practices
    • Islam; beliefs and practices
  • Revision of exam practice
    • Component 1, 2, 3 will be between May 8th and May 25th.