In Philosophy and Beliefs students will learn the relevant spiritual, moral, social and cultural skills to be properly prepared for life. Students will gain an understanding of the different main religions in the world and have an understanding of how following one of these religions has an impact on the way in which a person lives their life. Students are encouraged to question what is ethical in the world and the impact they have on the world around them.
KS3 Philosophy and beliefs is taught over 2 lessons a fortnight.
Curriculum Overview
Year 7
In their first year at Hayesfield, students think about what beliefs are and what different beliefs there are in the world. They will look at the different ways in which Christmas can be celebrated. Students will examine the key beliefs in the religion of Sikhism. Students will also examine religion and the environment and look at how people deal with suffering.
Term | Topic | Key Questions |
---|---|---|
1 | Who Am 1? | How do I see the World? |
2 | Introduction to Philosophy and Beliefs | What is the difference between a sign and a symbol? |
3 | Sikhism | What are the 5 Ks? Why are they important to Sikhs? |
4 | Sikhism | What is the Guru Granth Sahib? Can a book be treated the same as a human being? |
5 | Environment | What is evolution? Did Charles Darwin kill God? |
6 | Suffering | Why do Bad things happen? |
Year 8
Students examine what it means to live in a multi-faith community. They investigate the role of a church in our local area and the services that it provides. Students examine the key beliefs in the religion of Buddhism. Students also study significant religious people and look at the ways in which they made their voices heard.
Term | Topic | Key Questions |
---|---|---|
Sept | Baseline assessment | Global population |
Oct | ||
Nov | Rainy, hilly, crowded | Population and resources |
Dec | ||
Jan | Fragile environments skills | Climate assessment |
Feb | ||
March | Fragile environments essay | Climate change assessment |
April | ||
May | Urban challenge skills | Dynamic landscapes skills |
June | ||
July | Dynamic landscapes essay | Dynamic landscapes essay |
Year 9
Students explore the religion of Islam. Students also look at how we define morality in society. They have an opportunity to investigate the issue of animal rights and the way in which religion is portrayed in the media.
Term | Topic | Assessments |
---|---|---|
1 | Islam | History and Developments. The Mosque. |
2 | Islam | Teachings and Practices. Planning a religious festival. |
3 | Buddhism | History and Development and teachings. Buddhist book of happiness. |
4 | Buddhism | Buddhist Practice. Buddhist Meditation. |
5 | Media | How fairly is religion portrayed in the media? Media: How much does the media influence your life? |
6 | Media | Making links between Media and GCSE topics. Religion and the Media: The study of a Film. |