Intent
Our religious education curriculum is intended to encourage students to raise and reflect on fundamental questions about life and to develop an understanding of different human cultures and beliefs. We are steered by the Oxfordshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education and use its guidance to ensure students have the opportunites to explore and study key themes and concepts.
We believe that a robust religious education is essential in supporting our students in becoming tolerant and open individuals who are an asset to their local community and to society as a whole.
Our intention is that during their time at Orion, students will gain a greater knowledge, skills and understanding of the following key religious concepts and learning:
- How we treat people, developing understanding of and respect for diverse beliefs and cultures in the fight against racism and bullying;
- Understand their place in their local community and as a valuable citizen of a tolerant nation by an exploration of ‘British Values”
- Understand the power of religious institutions and how this may have changed over time and how political systems may have replaced religious doctrine;
- Ask and reflect on beliefs to do with fundamental ethical questions such as genocide, human values, tolerance, respect and war.
Implementation
All students have a dedicated session a week of RE.
The following topics are covered through the curriculum in years 7-9 (2 year cycle):
| Key Stage 3 | ||
| Introduction and overview to RE | Exploring Islam | New religions, alternatives movements and cults |
| Religious Festivals | Exploring Judaism | Exploring Christian denominations |
| Christianity | Exploring Hinduism and Judaism | Religion, science, medicine and ethics |
| World Religions- beliefs, life and death | Religion, Peace and Conflict | Religion and Human Rights |
| Sikhism | Philosophy and Ethics | |
| Religion and the Afterlife | ||
At Key Stage 4, we are introducing (Jan 2024) the ASDAN Beliefs and Values Short Course. This course will build on previous knowledge and enable students to demonstrate their understanding in the following areas:
| Respect for different beliefs and values, and how they contribute to a multicultural society |
| An awareness of the impact that humans have on the environment and how to protect our planet |
| Become a responsible citizen and understand the laws needed for a fair and just society |
| Appreciate the value of peace in society and understand the impact of conflict |
| Understand how different religions express their beliefs through worship and actions |
| Explore the concept of inspiration from religious and non-religious perspectives |