Summer 1

Students will begin to learn about the History and beliefs about Sikhism and how the religion started. They will be exploring the stories of Guru Nanak and the 9 Gurus which followed him. Through this, students will be able to go on a Journey of what each Guru in Sikhism believed about God. 

How parents can get involved:

  • Ask your child what is the difference between a God and a Guru? Are they both the same? 
  • Ask your Child one key fact about each of the 10 Gurus.

Spring 2

Ethics and key Ethical Theories

Students will learn about Ethics and key ethical theories such as utilitarianism and how we can measure happiness. Students will learn about how good actions can increase happiness and link this to religion and good deeds. Students will also learn about Situation ethics and put these into ethical dilemmas. 

How parents can get involved:

  • Ask your child to explain how they make ethical choices in their everyday life
  • How might utilitarianism and situation ethics be used from a religious perspective?

Spring 1

Philosophy and Ethics

Pupils will learn about key philosophers such as Descartes, Plato and other key thinkers who have changed the way we perceive the world. Students will be able to evaluate theories and put them into practice based on different religious beliefs. Students will also learn about key ethical dilemmas presented by situation ethics and utilitarianism.

How parents can get involved:

  • Ask your child to explain how they make ethical choices in their everyday life
  • Challenge your child to give reasons for their opinions, based on what they have learnt in lessons

Autumn 2

Christianity

In this unit, students will learn about Christianity in the modern world. We will look at Christianity in Britain, the difference between public and private worship as well as debates such as women taking leadership roles within the church.

How parents can get involved:

  • Ask your child about why some people think women are allowed to be leaders in the Church and why some people believe they shouldn’t. 
  • Ask your child whether public worship is more important than private worship.

Autumn 1

Buddhism

In this unit, students will learn about the religion on Buddhism. Here, they will, through narrative understand how the religion came into existence and how through one person (The Buddha), the religion seeks to understand the betterment of the ‘self’. Students will be able to explore and discuss different beliefs and practices related to Buddhism such as the Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths.  

How parents can get involved:

  • Ask your child about how the story of the Buddha is similar or different to stories of other influential people in religion such as Jesus, Guru Nanak or Prophet Muhammad.
  • Ask your child how they may be able to improve their own character through the advice that the Buddha gives in the Eightfold path.