Religious Studies

Gayhurst School has a Christian ethos and Christianity is taught throughout the school from Reception to Year 8. Our assemblies are Christian based and familiarise the pupils with key parts of the Bible both the Old and New Testament. Other major religions are studies such as Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism and Sikhism but in less detail.

Aims

 The aim of Religious Studies at Gayhurst is to develop pupil's knowledge, understanding, evaluation, skills and attitude in this subject.

Religious Studies teaching offers opportunities to: 

• Help pupils to acquire and develop a knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other six main religions represented in Great Britain today. 
• Help pupils to develop an understanding of the influence of beliefs, values and traditions on individuals, communities, societies and culture.

It should help pupils to evaluate by:

• Developing the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues, with reference to the teachings of the religions studied.

Religious Studies should enhance pupils' spiritual, moral, cultural and social development by:

• Developing awareness of the fundamental questions of life raised by human experiences, and of how religious teaching can relate to them.
• Responding to such questions with reference to the teachings and practices of religions, and to their own understanding and experiences.
• Reflecting their own beliefs, values and experiences in the light of their study.

 Religious Studies should develop the skills and attitude of:

• A sense of wonder and respect for the world.
• Confide in their own sense of identity.
• A respect for, and readiness to learn from, the aspirations of others.
• A willingness to recognise the variety of responses including a respect for the practice and non-practice of religion.
• A willingness to tolerate uncertainty and to acknowledge ambiguity and controversy.
• A readiness to discuss religious issues openly and to accept a diversity of practice.
• An understanding of the implications of commitment.

There are also general aims as stated in the ISEB Common Entrance syllabus for Religious Studies. These are:

• To develop candidates spiritual awareness.
• Help candidates seek ultimate meaning.
• Encourage candidates to explore questions of morality and the values of contemporary society

Curriculum planning in Religious Studies

Throughout the school pupils study the Christian Bible and other religions. In Year 4 they are given their own Bible and this is to be used throughout the rest of their time at Gayhurst. In Year 7 the pupils study the Old and New Testament, as this is their foundation year for the Common Entrance. In Year 8 other religions are studied and revised.

Reception to Year 3 -The coordinator has a copy of these plans and each class teacher has a folder, which contains the medium term plans and resources needed.

Year 4 to 8 - Each Year has a folder. The folder contains medium term plans, a detailed scheme of work and resources such as worksheets. These are kept in 4M. Each Religious Studies teacher has their own copy of the scheme of work.

In Year 4-8 each child is given a yellow exercise book and folder. Pupils write notes and answer questions in these. In the Junior school the pupils have folders for worksheets or a Religious Studies book.