SMSC Statement Dept. Religious Studies

Students begin RS in Year 7 by exploring the meaning and purpose of human life from a range of religious and non religious perspectives. There are frequent opportunities to learn from the experiences of others and to share our own experiences, to reflect on and interpret spirituality and discuss various responses to ultimate questions.

 

Moral Development

Students debate moral topics in all units of work covered in RS. Students are expected to justify personal responses to moral issues and listen to the opinions of others. Issues of right and wrong, and good and bad are explored throughout our curriculum. Students encounter several controversial topics including; the nature of abortion, capital punishment, the belief in life after death, corporal punishment, and the nature of euthanasia, and are encouraged to reflect on their own personal viewpoints and to consider the viewpoints of others.

 

Social Development

Discussion is central to most RS lessons at Parklands. This encourages students to become skilled in both speaking and listening. Social education in RS involves exploring similarities and differences between religions and cultures, through which students can begin to link religion to personal action in everyday life. This is also reflected in their relations with others in the classroom and their ability to work productively with their peers. Religion continues to have an impact on people’s lives in Britain whether they be religious or not, our students should understand that they will work alongside people from different faith backgrounds during their adult lives, and having knowledge and understanding of religious beliefs and practices can be beneficial to ensuring positive and respectful working relations.

 

Cultural Development

Students will study the origins, beliefs and practices of the major world religions, giving them an opportunity to appreciate what it means to belong to a religious or faith group, but equally why many people reject a belief in religion. Within major world religions students will explore differences between denominations and branches and understand the origins of several differences, which are often cultural. Students will explore the meaning of belonging to a multi-faith ever changing society and the challenges this can cause for people from faith backgrounds.

 

Examples of SMSC in RS include:

• Developing an understanding of individual identity

• Focusing on the beliefs of self and exploring the origins of these beliefs

• Studying a range of major world religions to investigate how people live, promoting acceptance and understanding

• Reflecting on responses to ‘ultimate questions’ 

• Studying moral issues and justifying our own views

• Exploring two key religions at GCSE (Christianity and Islam). This includes detailed coverage of the beliefs and teachings of these religions and the main practices 

• Working as part of a group or team  

• Sharing of views and opinions with others and being respectful of differences

• Showing respect for people, living things, property and the environment  

• Reflecting on one's contribution to society and how we can support other communities

• Learning about religious groups in the school and wider community