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Religious Studies

I believe in the fundamental truth of all great religions of the world.

Mahatma Gandhi


At Key Stage 3 we explore a variety of faiths, to give pupils an overview of beliefs in the world today and how holding these beliefs affect an individual’s life.


Their progress is monitored through regular assessments and a variety of presentations. We set homework to build upon their knowledge, to develop research skill and to foster enjoyment of the subject.

KS3 Religious Studies

At key stage 3 we explore a variety of faiths, to give pupils an overview of beliefs in the world today and how holding these beliefs affect an individual’s life. Their progress is monitored through regular assessments and a variety of presentations. We set homework to build upon their knowledge, to develop research skill and to foster enjoyment of the subject.

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9
  • The life of Jesus and key Christian concepts.
  • The life of Buddha and key Buddhist concepts.
  • Sikhism, its foundation, practice and beliefs
  • The Life of Muhammad
  • Birth ceremonies
  • Coming of age ceremonies
  • Marriage ceremonies
  • Death ceremonies
  • Religious life styles
  • Arguments for and against the existence of God
  • How was the world created?
  • The purpose of suffering from a variety of religious perspectives.
  • Issues of prejudice and religious responses.

KS4 Religious Education

Religious Education at KS4 is a statutory subject in all state-funded schools throughout the whole of a child's formal schooling (from 11 - 18), despite it not being part of the national curriculum.  We ensure we deliver a programme of religious studies according to the Enfield LA guidelines and agreed agreed SACRE syllabus.

At KS4, we deliver RE through our PSHE/ RSE curriculum, mapped throughout the two years in Personal Development lessons, enriching assemblies and form time.  In these sessions, we explore personal, social, political and moral issues in the light of religious teachings.  We explore weekly 'Big Ideas' that encourage students to think critically in challenging stereotypical views and appreciating, positively, differences in others.

At KS5, we enhance these assemblies and form time with extension and independent study workbooks.

Throughout this phase, students analyse and interpret a wide range of religious, philosophical and ethical concepts in increasing depth.  They investigate issues of diversity within and between religions and the ways in which religion and spirituality are expressed in philosophy, ethics, science and the arts. 

ECSfG students expand and balance their evaluations of the impact of religions on individuals, communities and societies, locally, nationally and globally.  They understand the importance of dialogue between and among different religions and beliefs.  They gain a greater understanding of how religion and belief contribute to community cohesion, recognising the various percepetions people have regarding the role of religions in the world.

The GCSE course we offer includes the study of Christianity and at least one other religion; as part of our balanced curriculum, this course is available to all students when they choose their Options in Year 9, to start their study in Year 10.

The Philosophy AQA A level accredited course we offer provides opportunities within and beyond school for learning that involves first-hand experiences and activities involving people, places and events.

We know that students aged 18 or over have the right to withdraw themselves from RE.  Parents also have the right to withdraw their daughter from part of RE and can do so without giving any explanation.

KS4 GCSE Religious Studies

Please click here for the OCR Religious Studies GSE webpage.

Please see below for the Religious Studies specification J625.


GCSE Religious Studies at KS4 helps to develop the skills already acquired at KS3.  Students will study the beliefs, teachings and practices from the Islamic and Christian perspectives as well as Religion, Philosophy and Ethics in the modern world from a Christian perspective.

Course Content Year 10

UNIT (J625/07) CHRISTIANITY 

RELIGION, PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS IN THE MODERN WORLD FROM A RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVE

  • Introduction to course and relationships and families
  • Men and Women
  • Christian understanding of equality
  • Gender
  • The existence of God - the question God
  • The nature of reality
  • Experiencing God
  • Religion, peace and conflict - violence and conflict
  • Peace and peace making
  • Forgiveness and reconciliation
  • Dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes - challenges for religion
  • Dialogue within and between religious groups
  • Dialogue between religious and non-religious groups
  • Beliefs and teachings - Core beliefs
  • Prophethood
  • Sources of wisdom
  • Angels
  • Eschatological beliefs
Course Content Year 11 

UNIT (J625/03) ISLAM 

BELIEFS AND TEACHINGS AND PRACTICES

  • Practices - the importance of practices
  • Public acts of worship
  • Private acts of worship
  • Hajj
  • Zakah
  • Sawm
  • Festivals/special days
  • Jihad
  • Beliefs and Teachings - Nature of God
  • Concept of God as a Trinity of persons
  • Biblical accounts of Creation
  • The problem of evil and suffering and a loving and righteous God
  • Jesus Christ
  • The importance of Christians of incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension
  • The concept of Salvation
  • Eschatological beliefs and teachings
  • Practices - worship
  • Sacraments
  • Prayer
  • The role and importance of pilgrimage and celebrations
  • The role of the church in the local community and living practices
  • Mission
  • The role of the church in the wider world

Course Assessment

Religion, philosophy and ethics in the modern world from a religious perspective

Two hour exam

50%

Beliefs and teachings & Practices: Islam

One hour exam

25%

Beliefs and teachings & Practices: Christianity

One hour exam

25%

 

Our Curriculum Deputy Headteacher, Ms J Foster, will be happy to supply further detail and more information if required.

Please contact her at ecsgeneral@enfieldcs.enfield.sch.uk or telephone 020 8363 3030.