RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:

At Iqra Academy, we believe that Religious Education (RE) plays a vital role in shaping well-rounded, respectful, and informed individuals. Our commitment to teaching Religious Education stems from a desire to equip students with a deep understanding of the world’s major religious traditions and the values they promote. We offer a comprehensive curriculum that includes the six main world religions—Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism—ensuring that students gain a broad and balanced understanding of the diversity of beliefs that shape the world. 

The study of Religious Education is not only about exploring faiths and beliefs, but also about fostering a sense of empathy, tolerance, and respect for others. In a multicultural and interconnected world, it is essential for young people to understand different religious practices and perspectives. By engaging with the core teachings, rituals, history, and ethical systems of each religion, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills, question assumptions, and reflect on their own beliefs and values. 

Teaching all six major religions is essential because it enables students to appreciate the rich diversity that exists in our society and across the globe. Each religion offers unique insights into questions of morality, purpose, and the nature of human existence. Understanding these perspectives broadens students’ worldview and prepares them to navigate a pluralistic world with sensitivity and confidence. Additionally, learning about different religions fosters dialogue, dismantles stereotypes, and helps to break down the barriers of ignorance and prejudice. 

At Iqra Academy, we aim to create an inclusive learning environment where students are encouraged to engage with religious ideas in a thoughtful and respectful manner. By studying religious beliefs and practices, we empower our students to become compassionate, open-minded individuals who contribute to a more understanding, tolerant, and harmonious society. Ultimately, Religious Education at Iqra Academy is not just about imparting knowledge—it is about nurturing young people who are both intellectually curious and morally responsible, with the ability to appreciate and celebrate the rich tapestry of religious diversity in the world. 

IMPLEMENTATION: 

The Religious Education (RE) curriculum at Iqra Academy is structured to progressively build students’ knowledge and understanding of religious beliefs, practices, and ethical issues. Our approach is designed to engage students, encourage critical thinking, and foster respect for diverse perspectives. Below is an outline of how we implement the RE curriculum across Key Stage 3 (Year 9), Key Stage 4 (Year 10 and Year 11): 

Year 9: Introduction to the Six Major World Religions

In Year 9, students are introduced to the six main world religions: Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. The focus is on understanding the core beliefs and key festivals of each religion, providing a foundation for the study of religious practices and values.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Main Beliefs: Students will explore the central teachings of each religion, including concepts of God, the afterlife, and the nature of human existence.
  • Festivals: Students will study major religious festivals such as Ramadan, Diwali, Easter, and Rosh Hashana, and understand their significance within each tradition.
  • Comparative Analysis: The curriculum will encourage students to compare and contrast the beliefs and practices of the different religions, helping to highlight similarities and differences.

Teaching Methods:

  • Interactive lessons with multimedia resources (videos, presentations, and guest speakers).
  • Group activities and discussions to foster engagement and respect for different perspectives.
  • Case studies and real-world examples to show how beliefs influence daily life and cultural practices.

Year 10: Ethical Issues and Introduction to GCSE Religious Studies

In Year 10, students begin their GCSE Religious Studies course, which explores ethical issues through the lens of religion and philosophy. The focus will be on ethical dilemmas and moral decision-making, drawing on the teachings of Islam, Christianity, and Humanism.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Relationships: Students will examine religious teachings on topics such as marriage, family, and sexual ethics. This includes looking at the importance of relationships within Islam and Christianity, as well as contrasting these views with Humanist perspectives.
  • Life and Death: Students will explore religious and non-religious perspectives on issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and the sanctity of life.
  • Good and Evil: Topics will include the nature of good and evil, the problem of suffering, and the role of free will. Students will study how different religions approach these moral questions and how these issues are understood in Humanism.
  • Human Rights: Students will learn about the principles of human rights, justice, and equality, exploring how religions such as Islam and Christianity, as well as Humanist thought, inform views on human dignity, freedom, and social justice.

Teaching Methods: 

  • Class debates and discussions to explore different viewpoints on ethical issues. 
  • Scenario-based learning, where students apply ethical principles to real-life situations. 
  • Research projects where students investigate and present on the ethical teachings of different religions and Humanism. 

Year 11: Christian and Islamic Beliefs and Practices (GCSE)

In Year 11, students delve deeper into the GCSE Religious Studies syllabus, focusing on the beliefs and practices of Christianity and Islam. This study will provide students with the knowledge required for their final assessments, while continuing to encourage reflection on the practical applications of religious teachings. 

Key Focus Areas: 

  • Christian Beliefs and Practices: Students will explore core Christian teachings such as the nature of God, the role of Jesus, salvation, and the Christian church. They will also examine key Christian practices, such as prayer, sacraments, and worship. 
  • Islamic Beliefs and Practices: Students will study fundamental Islamic beliefs, including the Five Pillars of Islam, the concept of Tawhid (oneness of God), and the role of the Prophet Muhammad. Islamic practices, including prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage, will also be covered. 

Teaching Methods: 

  • Structured lessons: Focused on key beliefs and practices, with guided revision to ensure retention and understanding. 
  • Exam-style questions: Regular practice of exam-style questions to build exam technique and consolidate learning. 
  • Interactive revision: Use of quizzes, flashcards, and group activities to support active recall and peer learning. 
  • Field trips: Visits to local religious sites (e.g., churches, mosques) to deepen understanding of religious practices in action. 

Long Term RE and Islamiyat plan :

Year 

Term 1 

Term 2  

Term 3 

Term 4 

Term 5 

Term 6 

7 

Shahadah and Salah  

Salah and Ramadhan  

Zakaat and Hajj  

Imaan (3 articles) 

Imaan (3) articles  

Female matters (women in Islam) 

8 

Seerah of the Prophet  

Seerah of prophet  

Relationships (with non-muslims) 

Relationships (with other religions) 

Other religions (Judaism) 

Other religions (Sikhism) 

9 

Islamiyat  

Hadith 1-10 

Hadith 11-20 

Ethical questions  

Life and death Judaism  

Judaism section 3  

Christianity  

9 

Islam 

Christianity   

Judaism  

Buddhism 

Sikhism  

Hinduism  

10 

Relationships 

Relationships and life and death 

Life and death 

Good and evil 

Good and evil 

Human rights 

Human rights  

11 

Chrisitan beliefs  

Christian practices  

Islam beliefs 

Islamic practices  

Exams  

NA 

KS4 Year 10 and Year 11:

All students have the opportunity to take the EDUQAS Full Course Religious Studies GCSE. Assessment for this is un-tiered, i.e. all units cater for the full range of ability and allow access to grades 1-9. 

The course is examined at the end of Year 11. There will be three exams relating to each of the three components outlined below.Sections from Component 1, 2 and 3 are studied during Year 10 and 11.

Sections from Component 1, 2 and 3 are studied during Year 10 and 11.

EDUQAS GCSE Religious Studies Route A

Component 1 makes up 50% of the course 

Students study the following four themes from Christian and non-religious perspectives:  
Theme 1: Issues of Relationships  
Theme 2: Issues of Life and Death  
Theme 3: Issues of Good and Evil  
Theme 4: Issues of Human Rights 

Component 2 makes up 25% of the course 

Candidates will study the beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity 

Component 3 makes up 25% of the course 

Candidates will study the beliefs, teachings and practices of a world faith. Students will choose either Islam or Judaism. 
 
All components are assessed by compulsory questions focusing on knowledge, understanding and evaluation of the subject content. 

Helping Your Child with Homework 

Homework will be set by the class teacher either in the lesson or via email.  

In RE we encourage students to discuss world and local events at home and explore their own responses to these as well as your responses. 

GCSE students have access to the website; 

sites.google.com/site/gcsereligiouseducationjfp 

The website is being regularly updated with course and revision resources. Please encourage your child to explore the relevant website and to use the resources. 

The exam board site has further resources – but the sample exam papers they provide are not accurate.  www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/religious-studies/gcse/ 

 

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