The Thomas Mills High School & Sixth Form Religious Studies curriculum aims to give pupils a broad understanding and depth of religious knowledge while covering the three OFSTED areas below:
Discussion plays a key role through the course with an emphasis throughout the curriculum on building knowledge while reflecting on what this might mean for a believer and for the pupil. There is a strong emphasis on respect, diversity of view and feeling empowered to share ideas and ask questions.
At GCSE level pupils study the AQA course. The course spans the 3 years of year 9,10 and 11 with 2 exams at the end. The GCSE covers a range contemporary ethical themes, explores some philosophical issues and looks at Christianity and Hinduism in Depth. This ensures that pupils have a diverse range 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, ethical and philosophical 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, as well as leadership and research skills. All these skills will help prepare them for further study.
If you would like more information about our Religious Studies curriculum, please contact the school office.
Knowledge:
During this first half term pupils are encouraged to think about why learning Religious Studies is important and where their own views come from. They look at the concept of lenses and world views and why these may be different for different people.
They get the opportunity to think about where their own views come from and begin to understand the diversity of views and beliefs in the world. Pupils also get the opportunity to think about and share their own values, beliefs and things that are important to them. Pupils are also given the opportunity to start thinking philosophically by considering the ideas of the soul.
The second half of the term focuses more on Christianity and the range of beliefs within that religion. A treasure hunt around Framlingham gives pupils the opportunity to explore these visually through symbols. The pupils also look at key practices and beliefs such as communion, prayer and the trinity. The term finishes with an enquiry into the nativity story and what the bible really says about this.
Skills:
Pupils start to get to practice identifying, explaining, self-reflection, tolerance, understanding of others and gain an awareness of difference.
Assessments:
There is one each half term.
These are both essays and aim to consolidate and synthesise the learning of the topic.These are always planned in a lesson, using sentence starters, key words and a model paragraph to help pupils complete the task at home:
Autumn 1: What makes us who we are? Written essay. This can be handwritten or typed.
Autumn 2: ‘The most important part of being a Christian is going to church’. Evaluate the statement. Include your views and different viewpoints. Written essay. This can be handwritten or typed.
Useful Links for Home Learning
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zh3rkqt
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z4tb4wx/arti cles/zk4fxyc
https://www.truetube.co.uk/resource/holy-cribs-the- anglican-church/
https://www.truetube.co.uk/resource/understanding-denominations-christianity/
https://www.truetube.co.uk/resource/the-gospel-of- matthew-the-nativity/
https://www.truetube.co.uk/resource/the-gospel-of- luke-the-nativity/
Knowledge:
During the spring term pupils start to explore beliefs about Jesus. There are lots of opportunities for discussion. They explore different cultural and historical ideas about what he looked like, as well as the politics at the time of Jesus and how this links to a Messiah. Pupils will learn about key points in his life such as the temptations, miracles and parables, the baptism, holy week, crucifixion and the resurrection. Pupils will explore and evaluate whether they think Jesus was human or divine and even look at Jesus in other religions.
The second half of the term looks at the symbolism of light and dark, both in religious festivals like Diwali and Hanukah and through spiritual ideas. They focus on the concepts of hope and good over evil and even link this to real life examples and Amnesty International.
Skills:
Throughout the term the pupils will be identifying ideas, making comparisons and decoding symbolism. They will also start to understand the use of metaphor and non- literal language and begin to consider their own mindfulness.
Assessments:
There is one in the first half term and 1 in the second half term:
The first is a creative art task where pupils have to put into practice what they have learned about symbolism, as well as Jesus. The second is design task where the pupils have to bring together their knowledge from the topic and apply it creatively. There is again an opportunity for them to consider symbolism. For both tasks they will be given guidance sheets and examples in class.
Spring 1: T-Shirt design task (paired task)
Spring 2: Design your own festival of light. This should not link to a religious idea but focus on something that the pupils think is important and should be celebrated.
Useful Links for Home Learning
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zh3rkqt
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z4tb4wx/arti cles/zk4fxyc
https://www.truetube.co.uk/resource/the-gospel-of- luke-the-last-supper/
https://www.truetube.co.uk/resource/diwali/ https://www.truetube.co.uk/resource/hanukkah/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zt42tfr/article s/zkkvt39
Knowledge:
In the final term of year 7, the pupils will learn about the 6 main world religions and start to consider whether they think that religion is still important today. They get the opportunity to do some philosophy, as they learn and evaluate the arguments that try to prove God’s existence; the cosmological (first cause), the teleological (design) argument and religious experience. They will also learn about the problem of evil and how this leads some people to believe there is no God.
The second half of the term focuses on Hindu Dharma (Hinduism). The pupils will learn about key beliefs and practices within Hindu Dharma like deities, the Trimurti, moksha, the mandir and types of worship, as well as symbols and different types of Hindu Dharma. They will also get the opportunity to look at Hindu Dharma in the UK today, linking back to what they learnt about Diwali.
Skills:
Pupils will develop their skills of identifying beliefs, explaining their ideas, comparing beliefs, and also asking questions. This should lead on to developing their skills of evaluation and analysis.
Assessment:
There is one each half term.
The first task has an essay and a debate. This gives the pupils who are more able verbally a chance to show their skills. The second one is an essay and aims to consolidate and synthesise the learning of the topic. This will be planned in a lesson, using sentence starters, key words and a model paragraph to help pupils complete the task at home.
Summer 1: Debate and essay: Does God exist? Why do you think this?
Summer 2: Essay: What is the most important part of Hindu Dharma and ?
Useful Links for Home Learning
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z2bw2hv/articles/zjdbpg8
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zkyn2sg/articles/zfs2kmn
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zkdk382/articles/z6twrj6
https://www.truetube.co.uk/resource/proving-god-exists/
https://www.truetube.co.uk/resource/alien-abduction-hinduism/
Knowledge:
During the first half term, pupils will get to know some of the key beliefs in Buddhism. They will focus on where Buddhism comes from, as well as the importance of the Buddha as a role model, the key teachings including the noble eight fold path and the 4 noble truths as well as how these influence Buddhists today.
The morality matters topic gives the pupils the opportunity to focus on some moral issues including body image, homosexuality and genetic engineering. They will look at a range of views and be encouraged to listen to the views of others and express their own ideas.
Skills:
Pupils will start to compare and contrast religious ideas, as well as applying beliefs to real issues. There will be lots of opportunities to build their own world views, as well as listening respectfully to those of others. There will be a chance to build on analysis skills and develop their own mindfulness.
Assessments:
There is one each half term. These are both essays and aim to consolidate and synthesise the learning of the topic. These are always planned in a lesson using sentence starters, key words and a model paragraph to help pupils complete the task at home.
Autumn 1: ‘Following the noble 8 fold path is the most important part of being a Buddhist’ Evaluate you the statement. You need to argue from different viewpoints and include your view. This is a written essay. This can be handwritten or typed.
Autumn 2: Does it matter if people have different views on moral issues? This is a written essay. This can be handwritten or typed. Pupils should try to link their arguments to some of the examples that they have studied.
Useful Links for Home Learning
Facts about Buddhism – KS3 Religious Studies – BBC Bitesize
Life in a Buddhist community – KS3 Religious Studies – BBC Bitesize
The Enlightenment of the Buddha – TrueTubeÂ
Choosing Your Faith: Buddhism – TrueTube
Does it matter how we treat animals? – KS3 Religious Studies – BBC Bitesize
Knowledge:
In this topic, pupils will learn about different religious and non-religious views on the afterlife including Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and humanism. They will also explore how these beliefs influence rituals linked to death and get lots of opportunities to think about and share their own ideas on the subject. Care is taken to ensure that pupils deal with this sensitive subject in a mature and respectful way.
Skills:
There are lots of opportunities for comparisons and to start to analyse and evaluate these beliefs, as well as decoding symbolism. Pupils will also start to build up their verbal debating skills!
Assessments:
There is 1 in each half term: The first is an art project that pupils work on for most of the half term. This give pupils the opportunity to show different skill and think creatively. It also builds on the year before as it helps to show their understanding of symbolism. The second is a written essay which helps to bring together the learning on world views so far. This will be prepared in the lesson with a model paragraph, a plan and sentence starters.
Spring 1: What do you believe happens when you die?
Select the way you wish to present this. It could be a 3D model, collage, drawing, sculpture etc. It can be as big or small as you wish. It can include moving parts. You should also write a full explanation of each part and how it symbolises your own personal belief. Think about what evidence you have, if any, and how this affects the way you live your life.
Spring 2: ‘Sikhi and Buddhism have nothing in common’ What do you think? Evaluate the statement. This is a written essay. This can be handwritten or typed.
Useful Links for Home Learning
Holy Cribs: The Gurdwara – TrueTube
Sikhism: The Five K’s – TrueTube
Key facts about Sikhism – KS3 Religious Studies – BBC Bitesize
Life in a Sikh community – KS3 Religious Studies – BBC BitesizeÂ
What happens when we die? – KS3 Religious Studies – BBC Bitesize – BBC BitesizeÂ
Knowledge:
In the final term of year 8, pupils get the chance to apply their knowledge of world views to the topic of environment. They will delve deeply onto the range of issues and look at a variety of religious and non-religious viewpoints. Pupils will explore the importance of humans, the idea of conservation, different attitudes to creation as well as expressing their own views on the topic. The last half term looks at morality, with a focus on how different people decide what is the ‘good’ thing to do. This includes looking at religious rules, non-religious rules, moral theories and applying these ideas.
Skills:
There are lots of opportunities to evaluate ideas, as well as practicing formulating an argument  opinions. There is again lots of opportunity to develop verbal skills of debate and persuasive speech.
Assessments:
There is one each half term. The first one is a project that that is set towards the end the topic. Pupils need to create a speech and activism T shirt linked to an environmental issue. They can decorate a real T shirt, or just create a drawing. This can be done in pairs. The second is an essay and aims to consolidate and synthesise the learning of the topic and others. This will be planned in a lesson using sentence starters, key words and a model paragraph to help pupils complete the task at home.
Summer 1: Project -T shirt Design and speech on an environmental issue.
Summer 2: Essay – ‘You can be good without God’ What do you think? Evaluate the statement. This can be typed or handwritten.
Useful Links for Home Learning
Is the Earth sacred? – KS3 Religious Studies – BBC Bitesize
Facts about non-religious beliefs – KS3 Religious Studies – BBC Bitesize
Climate Change: Judaism – TrueTube
Climate Change: Multi-Faith Views – TrueTube
Knowledge:
During this first half term of GCSE Religious Studies pupils begin by looking at a range of philosophical and ethical issues. They consider arguments for and against euthanasia and abortion, as well as exploring different attitudes to the use of animals and the environment. Pupils also get a chance to delve into discussion about science verses religion and the diverse ideas about the afterlife. These are all explored from a variety religious and non-religious ideas.
Skills:
Pupils continue from year 7 and 8 to develop their analytic and evaluative skills. There are lots of opportunities to develop their debating skills with a focus on justifying their ideas.
Assessments:
Pupil will do regular short answer exam style questions. These are worth 4 and 6 marks. They will also start to get to grips with the 12 mark essay style. In the first term these will be planned with the ‘octopus’ to help pupils include a variety of ideas and become familiar with the structure. This will then gradually progress to written full essays.
Autumn 1: 2 x 12 mark essays. These will be planned in lessons and the pupils given the chance to reflect on and add to their work before they hand it in.
Autumn 2: 2 x 12 mark essays. These will be planned in lessons and the pupils given the chance to reflect on and add to their work before they hand it in. A range of planning methods and key words will be provided to aid pupils with this.
Useful Links for Home Learning
AQA | Religious Studies | GCSE | GCSE Religious Studies
 The View from the Classroom – Euthanasia – TrueTubeÂ
The View from the Classroom – Abortion – TrueTube
Matters of life and death – BBC Teach
Knowledge:
During the spring term pupils start to study the key beliefs in Hinduism. These include the concept of Brahman, as well the Trimurti, deities and avatars. They also get the opportunity to learn about and evaluate Hindu beliefs about the origins of the universe, as well as their aims of life and key virtues.
Skills:
There is a focus on decoding symbolism and recognising how beliefs influence action. Analysis is built on, as is the ability to explain accurately in detail.
Assessments:
Pupils will continue to practice the 4 and 6 mark answers. Colour coding these helps pupils to see the ‘point and explanation’ that is needed to get the marks. They will also complete 12 mark questions. These will be planned the lesson and pupils are given structure strips to help them to set out their answer. These have sentence starters on to help pupils start their paragraphs. The pupils will also have model answers to look over.
Spring 1: 2 x 12 mark essays: These will be planned in lessons and the pupils given the chance to reflect on and add to their work before they hand it in. A range of planning methods and key words will be provided to aid pupils with this.
Spring 2: 1 x 12 mark essay: These will be planned in lessons and the pupils given the chance to reflect on and add to their work before they hand it in. A range of planning methods and key words will be provided to aid pupils with this.
Useful Links for Home Learning
Atman – The nature of human life in Hinduism – GCSE Religious Studies Revision – AQA – BBC Bitesize
Knowledge:
During the final term of year 9 pupils will explore topics relating to marriage and divorce, as well as homosexuality, the use of contraception, sex outside of marriage and the role of women and equality.
Skills:
There will be the continued opportunity for debate. Pupils will also continue to develop their use of key terminology and linking beliefs to justify their arguments. Analysis skills continue to be built on too.
Assessment:Â
Pupils will continue to practice the 4 and 6 mark answers. Colour coding these helps pupils to see the ‘point and explanation’ that is needed to get the marks. They will also complete 12 mark questions. These will be planned the lesson and pupils are given structure strips to help them to set out their answer. These have sentence starters on to help pupils start their paragraphs. The pupils will also have model answers to look over.
Spring 1: 1 x 12 mark essay: These will be planned in lessons and the pupils given the chance to reflect on and add to their work before they hand it in. A range of planning methods and keys words will be provided to aid pupils with this.
Spring 2: 1 x 12 mark essay: These will be planned in lessons and the pupils given the chance to reflect on and add to their work before they hand it in. A range of planning methods and keys words will be provided to aid pupils with this.
Useful Links for Home Learning
Christianity GCSE Religious Studies revision – Relationships and Families – AQA – BBC BitesizeÂ
Pilgrimage Moments: Discussing Homosexuality and Acceptance – TrueTube
Knowledge:
In the first term of year 10 pupils will look in depth at key beliefs like the trinity, the nature of God, judgement, Jesus, the afterlife and salvation. This is followed by some philosophical enquiry into arguments that try to prove the existence of God like the cosmological (first cause) and teleological (design) arguments, as well as the problem of evil, miracles and revelation.
Skills:
There are lots of opportunity for evaluation. This develops to consider which strengths and weaknesses are most convincing. Decoding symbolism continues to be developed, as does explaining concepts in detail.
Assessments:
Pupils complete a variety of 4 and 6 mark answers. Pupils are encouraged to ‘PE on the page’ (key point with an explanation). There is also a focus on including a relevant quote in the 6 mark answers and giving a source: e.g. Bible. Pupils are still encouraged to colour code their answers to help them to clearly see the exam technique.
Autumn 1: 2 12 mark essays. These will be planned in lessons and the pupils given the chance to reflect on and add to their work before they hand it in.
Autumn 2: 2 x 12 mark essays. These will be planned in lessons and the pupils given the chance to reflect on and add to their work before they hand it in. A range of planning methods and keys words will be provided to aid pupils with this.
Link to exam board
Christianity – GCSE Religious Studies – BBC Bitesize
Alien Abduction: Christianity – TrueTube
The Problem of Evil – TrueTube
Dawkins on Disaster – TrueTube
Knowledge:
In this topic the pupils will make links back to the Hindu beliefs that they learnt in year 9, while looking at how these influence things that Hindus will do as part of their religion. Pupils will explore different types of Hindu worship, pilgrimage, holy buildings, charities and even environmental work. There is an emphasis on the symbolism of these practices.
Skills:
Evaluation continues to be built on and pupils are encouraged to compare and contrast viewpoints while making links between beliefs and practices. There are lots of opportunities for using technical language, and to gain appreciation of another faith.
Assessments:
Pupils continue to complete a variety of 4 and 6 mark answers. Pupils are encouraged to ‘PE on the page’ (key point with an explanation). There is also a focus on including a relevant quote in the 6 mark answers and giving a source: e.g. Bible. Pupils are still encouraged to colour code their answers to help them to clearly see the exam technique. There will be lots of model answers in lessons for pupils to look at to help them to further develop their essay skills.
Spring 1: 1 x12 mark essays. These will be planned in lessons and the pupils given the chance to reflect on and add to their work before they hand it in.
Spring 2: 1 x 12 mark essays. These will be planned in lessons and the pupils given the chance to reflect on and add to their work before they hand it in. A range of planning methods and key words will be provided to aid pupils with this.
Useful Links for Home Learning
Places of worship – Practices in Hinduism – GCSE Religious Studies Revision – AQA – BBC Bitesize
Practices in Hinduism – Explore Hinduism: Video playlist – BBC Bitesize
Hinduism: The Puja Tray – TrueTube
Hinduism: The Arti Ceremony – TrueTube
Holy Cribs: The Mandir – TrueTube
Knowledge:
In this topic pupils will explore Christian worship, pilgrimage, baptism and Holy Communion, as well as looking at more modern aspects of the faith such as food banks and street pastors.
Skills:
Evaluation and analysis continue to be key. Pupils are also encouraged to apply beliefs to the practices and explain these links in detail. Decoding symbolism is encouraged through images.
Assessment:
Pupils will complete a variety of 4 and 6 mark answers. Pupils are still encouraged to ‘PE on the page’ (key point with an explanation). There is also a focus on including a relevant quote in the 6 mark answers and giving a source: e.g. Bible. Pupils can still colour code their answers to help them to clearly see the exam technique.
Spring 1: 1 x12 mark essays. These will be planned in lessons and the pupils given the chance to reflect on and add to their work before they hand it in.
Spring 2: 1 x 12 mark essays. These will be planned in lessons and the pupils given the chance to reflect on and add to their work before they hand it in. A range of planning methods and keys words will be provided to aid pupils with this.
Useful Links for Home Learning
Practices in Christianity – Religious beliefs and practices: Video playlist – BBC Bitesize
Christianity – GCSE Religious Studies – BBC Bitesize
Understanding Denominations: Christianity – TrueTube
Pilgrimage Moments: Vespers – TrueTube
Knowledge:
For the final ‘theme’ of the GCSE the pupils will look at issues surrounding crime and punishment. This ranges from the reasons why people might commit crimes and the aims of punishment, to the topic of forgiveness and even corporeal punishment. Within each religious and non-religious ideas are explored, as well as there being the opportunity for the pupils to share their views. Towards the end of the autumn term, pupils will begin revision starting with Hinduism and Christianity.
Skills:
Analysis skills should now be embedded and continually practised while making links between a range of beliefs. Pupils get the opportunity to articulate their views and should feel comfortable questioning the views of others. There is a focus on justifying their ideas and arguments.
Assessments:
There will be at least 2 each half term. There will be a mixture of exam style questions. Pupils will still be giving plans and structure strips to help with the essays but where possible they should try to see what they can do without these. There are still lots of opportunities for refection and to improve their work. There is a move to practicing these in timed conditions too. There will be formal preparatory exams in the November and January.
Autumn 1: 2 x 12 mark questions plus weekly 4/6mark questions.
Autumn 2: 2 x 12 mark questions plus weekly 4/6 mark questions.
Useful Links for Home Learning
https://www.truetube.co.uk/resource/life-after-jail/
https://www.truetube.co.uk/resource/prison-for- punishment/
https://www.truetube.co.uk/resource/face-to-face/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zbndy9q
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zrfj382
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/ztbxg2p/wat ch/zb646rd
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/ztbxg2p/wat ch/zwv7vj6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skmDHSqxhak
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Okooj9pZvAo &list=PLKt35O75wIr2ctda18EnE-GXykpk1zEgO
Knowledge:
Revision continues with a focus on the themes paper. This includes religion and life, relationships and families, revelation and arguments for the existence of God and crime and punishment. After this, the revision will target known weak points. These will be linked to areas that the prep exams have shown to be problematic and previous exam analysis. Pupils will also get the opportunity to stipulate which sections they would like to go over.
Skills:
Analysis skills should now be embedded and continually practised while making links between a range of beliefs. Pupils get the opportunity to articulate their views and should feel comfortable questioning the views of others. There is a continued focus on justifying their ideas and arguments. Use of technical language is also highlighted and practiced.
Assessments:
There will be at least 2 each half term. There will be a mixture of exam style questions; 1,4,6 and 12 mark questions. Pupils will still be given plans and structure strips to help with the essays but where possible they should try to see what they can do without these. There are still lots of opportunities for refection and improve their work. There is a move to practising these in timed conditions too. There will be a formal preparatory exam in January.
Spring1: 2 x 12 mark questions plus weekly 4/6 mark questions.
Spring 2: 2 x 12 mark questions plus weekly 4/6 mark questions.
Useful Links for Home Learning
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z382xbk/artic les/zrn6ywx
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zjgx47h
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytp7WKQYLN0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8kMjD7MC-g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtD9a7edtIg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck3lyV8EmUI
Knowledge:
In the run up to the exams, pupil will focus on revision of all topics and work through as many past papers as possible to help with confidence with exam questions and application of knowledge. Pupils will be given a range of revision materials including revision guides and online links.
Skills:
Exam technique, including timing will be solidified. This includes justification of arguments, as well as making links between belief and practices and explaining in detail; often looking at symbolism. There is also a focus on being able to identify the most important aspect of a belief, theory or idea.
Assessments:
There will be at least 2 each half term. There will be a mixture of exam style questions; 1, 4, 6 and 12 mark questions. Pupils will still be given plans and structure strips to help with the essays but where possible they should try to see what they can do without these. There are still lots of opportunities for refection and improve their work. There is a move to practising these in timed conditions too. These will be as and when the pupils need them.
Useful Links for Home Learning
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zjgx47h
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skmDHSqxhak
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Okooj9pZvAo &list=PLKt35O75wIr2ctda18EnE-GXykpk1zEgO
Ethics, ultimate questions, Greek philosophers, religion, religious views, arguments against religion, real-life issues such as euthanasia, business ethics and sexuality as well as debating?
Anthropology, philosophy, politics, theology, education, the media, and healthcare.
Miss H Lambert
