Religious Studies
Aims of the Subject
- Pupils will appreciate that religion is a major part of people's lives, and is part of the history of nations
- Pupils will be encouraged to recognise positive religious practices and develop a thoughtful approach to life, to meet the circumstances of living in society and to become good citizens
- Pupils will be encouraged to understand and respect religious differences
- Pupils will be prepared to achieve success in Common Entrance and, when required, scholarship examinations
- Pupils should achieve a broad religious understanding rather than learning a series of unrelated stories
- Pupils should develop good background knowledge of biblical accounts
- Teachers will keep in mind the requirement to help pupils to learn about religion, and learn from religion.
Assessment Methods
This is carried out by teacher assessment supported by tests as appropriate. Testing in Reception to Year 4 is usually carried out by questions and answers in class. In the Summer Term the assessment for Year 5 takes the form of an end of year project. In Years 6 and 7 there are one or two formal tests in each of the first two terms, at the individual teacher's discretion, and an examination in the Summer Term. In Year 8, pupils sit the Common Entrance examination in the Summer Term. Practice examinations may be set for certain pupils in other terms, depending on the examination requirements of senior schools. Tests are designed to enable pupils to learn facts as the year goes on.
Teaching Techniques
- The syllabus in Years 7 and 8 is based on the curriculum for Common Entrance (CE)
- In Years 3 to 6 the syllabus is designed with a distant view to CE and parallels the comparative aspect of faith that is the focus for teaching elsewhere in Hertfordshire
- In Reception to Year 2 the children are introduced to faith and religious festivals during assemblies and through the use of artefacts in the classroom.
The curriculum is organised on a theme and comparison basis, wherein: for Years 6 to 8, a theme is studied for a number of weeks. Within the theme there are set biblical accounts and characters to study in addition to other material. Current affairs, history and various issues are incorporated, as appropriate within each topic, as are key events and issues from more recent history. In addition, time is spent comparing key aspects of Christianity to Islam and then Buddhism. In Years 3 to 5, a comparative approach is taken, with significant world faiths being looked at in comparison to Christianity; specifically, these are Hinduism, Sikhism and Judaism. In Reception to Year 2, children are introduced to world religions with an emphasis on stories and festivals.
The majority of teaching is classroom based, with reference to the latest interactive ICT. However, field trips are also undertaken.
Use of ICT within the Subject
Teaching in all classrooms makes use of interactive whiteboards, as well as CDs, DVDs and interactive i-posters.