The RE curriculum contains the disciplines of philosophical, ethical and religious studies. These are equally dispersed across each year group to give students a broad understanding of various global issues and perspectives. We believe that it is important for students to have a wide understanding of these issues given our pluralistic society.
The core learning pathways which underpin our curriculum are: nature of religion and belief, expressing belief, a good life, personal journey, influence and authority, the big picture. As such, each of our schemes of work are based upon a mixture of all six pathways, embedded across each year group.
Each scheme of work is based around a “big enquiry question”, with a specific enquiry question per lesson. This equips students to become inquisitive, independent learners, who seek answers to life’s mysteries. The big question is the focus of all teaching and learning which takes place. Every lesson will enable students to answer these questions from various perspectives. As a department we have responded to the changing nature of our religious landscape, by incorporating secular questions, which students will apply various worldviews to. We see it as our responsibility to foster all kinds of worldviews and encourage students to understand and develop their own perspectives on life. In light of this, the first topic students explore in Year 7 is called “what is religion and worldviews?”- this allows students to gain a contextual understanding of their personal beliefs, and the ‘lens’ that they have when entering our classes, and introduces students to both religious and non-religious views about the nature of life. Students will utilise this when answering subsequent enquiry questions.
Our curriculum is designed to build knowledge each year in an interwoven format, using retrieval techniques throughout so that students are consistently utilising prior learning and subject literacy.
In Year 7 students will study the Abrahamic faiths initially, developing the core knowledge gained in primary school, and will develop their knowledge and understanding further of other faiths such as Sikhism and Hinduism. Year 7 will focus predominantly on the big questions surrounding the role and relationships between man and God.
Learning in Year 8 will build on our knowledge of these Abrahamic religions, Sikhism and Hinduism, by exploring their understandings of creation, humanity and the afterlife. Year 8 will focus on the bigger questions surrounding the origins of the universe and the purpose of life. Students will be introduced to new concepts in Buddhism and non-religious worldviews, exploring how and why individuals and communities find meaning, purpose and truth in the world. This will allow us to build a broad and balanced sense of religious and non-religious beliefs, practices and ways of knowing.
How is the course assessed?
Year 7 and 8 will have an assessment 3 times per year which will be given a grade and feedback.
Homework and learning outside of the classroom
The department runs the Celebration of Festivals showcase in the first term for Year 7 students.
The school’s mission is to ‘enable young people to achieve success’. It does this outstandingly well.
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The curriculum is responsive to pupils’ interests and needs. They way in which it is organised helps to motivate pupils. The structure of the curriculum helps pupils to reach high standards.
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The school now has a history of outstanding outcomes for its pupils. Pupils make sustained progress across the curriculum and the standards that they reach are high.
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Teachers have high expectations of what pupils can achieve. There is a strong focus on the development of subject knowledge.
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Pupils show excellent attitudes to learning./ There is a thirst for knowledge and an excitement about lessons.
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Behaviour around the building is orderly and sensible. Within classrooms, behaviour is excellent.
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The headteacher is exceptional. Her leadership has transformed the school. Not only do pupils make phenomenal progress and reach high standards...
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Leaders know their school well. They work relentlessly to make their school even better. They are highly effective in improving standards of provision.
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Allerton High School
King Lane, Leeds
West Yorkshire LS17 7AG