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Religious Education
Religious Education at Heart of England School is based on the Solihull Agreed Syllabus. This meets statutory requirements by reflecting the mainly Christian religious traditions of Great Britain and including teaching about the other principal world religions.
The courses enable students to gain an understanding that religion has practical application to everyday life and encourages them to develop their own beliefs and values.
In this way Religious Education contributes to the spiritual, moral, cultural and intellectual development of students and encourages them to develop a positive understanding of diversity in our pluralistic society. The Department does not aim to provide nurture in a particular faith or seek to undermine the faith of any pupil.
In Year 7 students are introduced to religious concepts and beliefs concerning beliefs, worship and celebration in Christianity and Islam. In Year 8 they explore the teaching and traditions from the lives of religious leaders and sacred writings in Christianity, Judaism and Sikhism and in Year 9 the focus is on Hinduism, Buddhism and ultimate questions.
All students in Years 10 and 11 follow the GCSE short course in Religious Studies. This provides the opportunity for reflection and discussion of moral and global issues and it has a crucial role to play in equipping young people to meet the responsibilities of adult life. Students sit an examination at the end of the course which leads to a GCSE short course qualification.
Those students who wish to study the subject in more depth have the opportunity to select Religious Studies at GCSE level. This course concentrates on the beliefs and practices of two major religions together with personal and social ethics. The examination consists of one written paper (worth 80% of the total marks) and a coursework component (worth 20% of the total marks).
Sixth Form students pursue Religious Education through their Ethics course. They are required to question their own beliefs and perspectives in the light of others and are encouraged to use material in the Flexible Learning Centre.
The Religious Education Department is supported by a number of visiting speakers and regularly organised visits to places of worship. Our courses develop a number of skills which are valued by employers – enquiry, appreciation of other people’s points of view and an ability to come to clear, well-informed decisions.
