By Law all state schools, whether Church schools or not have to teach Religious Studies and Personal/Social Skills. As a Catholic School we welcome this legal requirement and develop it further. At St Edmund’s we take an integrated approach to these study areas.

We are committed to educating each student towards becoming a responsible member of society and a worshipping member of the church. This involves developing both personal qualities and spiritual side of each person.

The RS department upholds the idea of educating the whole person towards a life shared with Christ. We do not work in isolation in this task. Our work is supported strongly and is reinforced by the Catholic Ethos of the school and its Liturgical Life.

Subject Content Year 7, 8 and 9 Key Stage 3

The RS department at St Edmund’s uses a variety of resources to deliver the RS Course. The two major resources that are used are Icons and The Way, The Truth and the Life. These resources are closely linked to the Curriculum directory for Catholic Schools issued by the Bishops of England and Wales. The aim of the course of study in Key Stage 3 is to promote a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Christian Faith and to develop skills required to engage in examination of and reflection upon the religious belief and practice.

The course for Key Stage 3 offers a structured, progressive and developmental programme.

Main Areas of Study

Year 7: Revelation & Faith – God’s Promises Fulfilled - The Sacraments – The Church – Hinduism - Sex Education

Year 8: Creation – Covenant including Judaism – The Paschal Mystery – The Prophetic Role of the Church – Sex Education

Year 9: The Spiritual Quest including Islam – Conscience – The Holy Spirit – The Human Community - Sex Education

Curriculum Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11)

GCSE

The Edexcel syllabus is taught to the majority of KS4 . Some pupils will have the option of the Edexcel short course and OCR entry level certificate.

Part 1: Religion and Life based on a study of Roman Catholic Christianity
Part 2: Roman Catholic Christianity

Examinations
A majority of pupils will take two exam papers . All examinations are normally taken in the summer of Year 11.

Post 16

The RS department uses the OCR syllabus.

AS Level

AS Level course consists of two modules examined by two one and a half hour exams.

Philosophy of Religion consists of units on Plato, Judeo Christian traditions,
Aristotle,

And arguments about the proof of God.

Religious Ethics consists of Ethical theories including Relativism, Kantian Ethics, Utilitarianism; Applied Ethics including abortion, genetic engineering and Justice and War.

A2

The A2 unit consists of two modules examined by two one and a half hour exams.

Philosophy of Religion consists of the following units: Religious language, Experience and religion, Nature of God, Life and death and Miracle

Post 16 - General RE

All Sixth Form students receive one lesson a week of General RE. The course consists of modules relating to Justice and Peace, commitment and ministry, world religious, moral decisions, applied ethos, practical ethic sociology of religion, and art and religion.

This course is now externally verified by National College Open Network and students will be required to study 10 units over the two years and complete a portfolio to be externally verified.

Retreat Programme

Year 7 Workshops including music, art, meditation and exploring Aylesford Priory, plus a residential retreat in the summer months.
Year 8 Residential Retreat at St Vincent’s Whitstable - 2 nights.
Year 9 Residential Retreat at St Vincent’s Whitstable - 2 nights.
Year 10, 11 and Sixth Form – Residential Retreat at St Vincent’s Whitstable - 2 nights

Personal Studies at St Edmund’s

The RS department deals with aspects of the requirements made by the National Curriculum concerning Personal and Social Education. This includes Education in Human Sexuality/Personal relationships and Social Issues.

ICT in RS

The Carmel Centre has a fully functioning video conferencing unit and the RS department and school have an active programme of video conferencing sessions throughout the year

Interactive Whiteboard - The RS department has three interactive boards and finds them to be an excellent teaching tool. The board allows a development of different teaching styles as well as allowing pupils an opportunity to experience different aspects of learning

Youth Chaplain: The school now has a full time Youth Chaplain working within the Carmel Centre, this appointment is a valued part of our school community

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