What is our vision in Religions Education and Personal Development?
Religious Education (RE) lessons at Oathall offer a structured and safe space during curriculum time for reflection, discussion, dialogue and debate. Lessons also allow for timely and sensitive responses to be made to unforeseen events of a religious, moral or philosophical nature. RE provokes challenging questions about meaning and purpose in life, beliefs about God, ultimate reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human. In RE students learn about and from religions and worldviews in local, national and global contexts, to discover, explore and consider different answers to these questions. They learn to weigh up the value of wisdom from different sources, to develop and express their insights in response, and to agree or disagree respectfully.
Students here are equipped with systematic knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and worldviews, enabling them to develop their ideas, values and identities. We aim to develop in students an aptitude for dialogue; so that they can participate positively in our society with its diverse religions and worldviews. Students learn to articulate clearly and coherently their personal beliefs, ideas, values and experiences while respecting the right of others to differ.
Personal Development (PD) helps pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to manage life’s challenges and make the most of life’s opportunities. In PD we address issues such as teenage pregnancy, substance misuse, unhealthy eating, lack of physical activity and emotional health. PD is a subject through which pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe, and prepared for life and work. PD aims to develop skills and attributes such as resilience, self-esteem, risk-management, team working and critical thinking in the context of three core themes: health and wellbeing, relationships and living in the wider world, including economic wellbeing and aspects of careers education.
Religious Education curriculum learning journey
Personal Development curriculum learning journey
Religious Education & Personal Development at KS3
In Year 7, students are introduced to the three Abrahamic faiths, Judaism Christianity and Islam. Personal Development covers identity and diversity, puberty and bullying. In Year 8 attentions turn to the two Eastern religions, Hinduism and Sikhism as well the impact of Prejudice and Discrimination. In addition, students will also discuss in PD health and well-being and keeping safe, both online and offline. Year 9s will explore Buddhism, Medical Ethics and the Origins of Suffering. PD will cover relationships, sex education and youth crime.
RE & PD learning grid in Year 7
RE & PD learning grid in Year 8
RE & PD learning grid in Year 9
Support for students
Reading lists, library books, super curriculum, debating clubs.
Knowledge section of RE online site
RE & PD at KS4
GCSE Religious Education
GCSE students carry out a study of Christianity and Buddhism, learning about their beliefs and practices. Four different philosophical and ethical topics are also studied which includes Peace and Conflict, Crime and Punishment, Human Rights and lastly, Medical Ethics. Assessment is via two 1 hour 45 min exams. The exam board taken is AQA GCSE Religious Studies A.
Personal Development at KS4
Students have one hour a week for PSHE. During these lessons they look at many aspects which cover the statutory topics for RSE and Health education. Some of these include family life, emotional wellbeing, sexual health, navigating relationships, finance, careers and future planning. The learning grids show these in more detail.
Extended Learning Opportunities in RE/PD
In PD, students can get involved in a number of extended learning opportunities around school. For example, working on the wellbeing student team, school council, debating club to name a few.
In enrichment week there are two RE days planned each year – usually a visit to the Brighton Buddhist Centre and a Yoga and mindfulness workshop in school.
Further Education & Career Pathways in RE/PD
Useful revision websites
School Made Revision Site for RE Link
Bible Gateway – Good News Translation
How can parents and carers support learning ?
At Key Stage 3 parents can help by discussing the issues and topics we learn about in PD/RE. Many of these topics will be reflected in the wider world, in the news and in TV programmes. We encourage debate and discussion so parents can help by asking students what they are learning, and by asking them to explain the various religious, philosophical or ethical viewpoints on the issues.
At Key Stage 3 parents can help by discussing the issues and topics we learn about in PD/RE. Many of these topics will be reflected in the wider world, in the news and in TV programmes. We encourage debate and discussion so parents can help by asking students what they are learning, and by asking them to explain the various religious, philosophical or ethical viewpoints on the issues.
At KS4 GCSE RE, in addition to the above, parents can purchase the revision guide as well as looking through the exam website with their children. Engaging in dialogue about the subject content is the best way to help students of RE.
Marking & Assessment Protocol in RE/PD
Keyword list in RE/PD
AQA link for GCSE RE Buddhism and Christianity Key words
AQA link for GCSE RE Themes Paper
