Our Lady Of Sion

Senior Religious Studies

Senior

Religious Studies

The Religious Studies programme at Sion seeks to deliver a stimulating, culturally relevant teaching programme that affirms the individual journey of each student while drawing them into appropriately expressed theological, moral and spiritual issues.

We have a fun and lively environment that students enjoy being a part of. While the curriculum and assessment material is challenging, we use a variety of teaching and learning methods to enable students the best opportunity for meaningful engagement.  The joy of Religious Studies stems in part from a school ethos that expects students to show ‘consideration always’. We are fortunate to have a family atmosphere where students are encouraged to form their own convictions about different perspectives while also maintaining a respectful manner.

Key Stage 3 – Years 7 to 9

Currently we have one lesson a week of Religious Studies.

In Year 7, students learn about the religions of Sikhism and Hinduism as well as exploring the Beginning of Religion and why it is important to study RS.  In Year 8, they focus on the Abrahamic Faiths (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) and then explore Humanism.  In Year 9, they start the year with studying and questioning ethical issues and then whether religion is a cause of peace or conflict and end the year learning about Buddhism.

There are ongoing assessments in each topic which are normally essay based and reflective.

Key Stage 4 – Years 10 & 11

Religious Studies is an optional subject at GCSE and focuses on Christianity and Sikhism as well as Religious, philosophical and ethical studies in the modern world.  The GCSE broadens students’ opinions and encourages them to have questioning minds whilst studying the beliefs of others.  At the end of Year 11 they sit three exams, the first is two-hours long and the other two are one-hour long.

  • Paper 1 – Religion, Philosophy and Ethics in the Modern World
  • Paper 2 – Study of Christianity
  • Paper 3 – Study of a World Faith: Sikhism

Trips & Enrichment

The Religious Studies Department takes GCSE students to a place of worship of the world faith studied as well as virtual tours and pilgrimages throughout the course.

A co-educational independent school with a strong ethos, successfully education Boys & Girls from ages 3 – 18