Religious Studies
Staff
Suzanne Leaker (RS) B.Ed Hons. (Q.U.B.)
Aaron Chestnutt (RS) B.Ed Hons. (Q.U.B.)
Emma Anderson (English and RS) B.A. Hons., P.G.C.E. (Q.U.B.)
Rosemary Deboys (Music and RS) B.A. Hons., M.A. (Q.U.B.)
Aims
We aim to develop an awareness of the Christian faith and the variations within it. We also promote an appreciation of other world religions. Our young people are encouraged to develop their own beliefs in an atmosphere of tolerance, understanding and mutual respect.
RS, by the nature of its content and concepts, requires that it be presented in a thoughtful and sensitive manner. Teachers recognise that pupils come to class not as isolated individuals, but as members of a social, political and religious community. Therefore it is of the utmost importance that each young person’s view is respected. This development of respect for our fellow man, our community, our environment and of course self-respect is a high priority in the teaching of RS at Friends’.
In all areas of RS the department seeks to:
- Promote in pupils the desire to reach their academic potential.
- Prepare pupils for life outside school.
- Encourage an appreciation of the environment and to develop positive attitudes towards their well being and that of others.
The department encourages pupils to aspire to do their best and achieve their best.
Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3 Students study the life of Jesus, the challenge of morality, the Old Testament story and the story of the church past and present, and how these relate to life today. In addition students in year 9 study Judaism and pupils in year 10 study Islam. Pupils also complete communication cross-curricular tasks and ICT tasks in years 8, 9 and 10. At key stage 3 we also work alongside the Geography department on a connected learning project on poverty.
Key Stage 4
In Years 11 and 12 all students take RS for GCSE. The pupils are entered for the NICEA examination. Pupils in year 11 sit module 4 of their GCSE examination in June of year 11 and then go on to sit module 8 of their GCSE in June of year 12.
AS/A2
In the sixth form students opting for AS and A2 are entered for the NICEA examination. In Year 13 (AS) students complete two examinations. In Year 14 (A2) students also sit two examinations.
Careers
RS opens up a wide range of opportunities for further and higher education and interesting and rewarding careers. Our pupils go on to study, Journalism, Law, Social Work, Teaching, Medicine, Occupational Therapy and Publishing. Students engage in debates and discussions and are therefore provided with the opportunity to hone their skills in ‘arguing a case on the basis of evidence’- a skill which is absolutely central to progress in the world of work.
Achievements & Trips
Students have attended a Human Rights conference in the Elmwood hall to listen to Mary Robinson discuss, ‘How universal are human rights?’ They also attended a documentary film screening of ‘War Child’ this included a question and answer time with Emmanuel Jal, a former child soldier in Sudan’s brutal civil war.
Web links
A-level
GCSE Religious Studies
Religious Studies
