> Click here to view our Intent, Implementation, Impact Statement for Ethics & Philosophy
Click below to view our learning journey maps which shows how units are sequenced to deliver the skills, knowledge and understanding that students need to succeed.
> Click here to view our Ethics & Philosophy Curriculum Map
The information below shows more about the teaching of Ethics & Philosophy at our school.
Ethics & Philosophy at King Arthur’s is based on tolerance and understanding of difference. We follow the Somerset RE agreed syllabus SACRE. This has a clear focus on Awareness, Mystery and Value. We encourage students in the development of wisdom, though fostering an excitement about learning and an ability to reflect thoughtfully on theological and philosophical issues. We also believe that religious education plays an integral part in our community, giving all students the opportunity to explore the spiritual diversity of the world and reflect for themselves on their own spirituality and world views.
This then feeds into the value of dignity as a fundamental aspect of Ethics & Philosophy is the understanding that it is acceptable to disagree, to understand and respect a view that may be different from their own and to treat all with respect. Lastly, we believe that Ethics & Philosophy provides opportunities for hope. By looking at the world around us, understanding the need for change and being inspired by those who have made a difference in the world.
The three clear aims of the curriculum are to develop successful learners, confident individuals and positive contributors. Ethics & Philosophy has a vital role to play in the development of these core aims.
Ethics & Philosophy helps pupils become successful learners by enabling them to:
- develop important skills, knowledge and understanding in Ethics & Philosophy;
- the ability to build progression from simple skills such as recognising and recalling, to complex and demanding skills such as critical evaluation;
- access lively, challenging and compelling learning experiences which stimulate their mental, emotional and social development; whilst being tolerant of others
- engaging with powerful and important questions of meaning and complex, demanding ethical issues; whilst being sensitive and empathetic to the opinions of others.
- understand both conflict and collaboration within and between religions and the importance of inter-faith dialogue;
- reflect upon and evaluate the role of religion and belief in the world today;
- mature in their spiritual moral, social and cultural development;
- build effective links between their learning in Ethics & Philosophy and other subjects;
- know how well they are doing in Ethics & Philosophy and how to improve their learning.
KS3
We aim to provide students with a breadth of religious knowledge about world faiths. The rationale behind KS3 schemes of work is to build on these introductory units completed at primary school, by providing schemes of work which concentrate on the philosophical and ethical issues presented by religion. We also aim to enable students to develop theological terms and understanding. We use a range of learning activities, encouraging our students to be active in their learning and to use drama, visualisation and the creative arts as well as creative writing and use of primary sources such as religious texts.
Year 7
1. Introduction to Belief
2. Christianity – Introduction to Beliefs
3. Buddhism – Introduction to Beliefs
4. Islam- Introduction to Beliefs
5. Judaism – Introduction to Beliefs
6. Hinduism – Introduction to Beliefs
The aim of Year 7 is to provide a really good base for studying religion by exploring and contracting the world religions.
Year 8
In Year 8 students have the opportunity to explore and develop their understanding of the world religions of questions from the perspective of different world faiths They will respond creatively and be encouraged to debate and discuss and to develop their own reasoned judgements on the issues.
Topics covered include
1. Sikhism
2. Christianity- Who was Jesus?
3. Buddhism- Belief in Action
4. Islam Belief in Action
5. Ethics
6. Judaism – Belief in Action
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Year 9
In Year 9 we focus on the impacts that beliefs have on individuals and societies. We examine divergent views within religion and explore the responses that have come from faith.
Topics covered are
1. Christianity- Agape in action
2. Good and Evil – Comparative religions
3. Ethics
4. Holocaust and Genocide
5. Humanism
KS4
All students will explore a range of philosophical, theological and social science aspects of Ethics & Philosophy. It is an opportunity for students to understand and explore a range of viewpoints and to establish their own views. Students will also have opportunities to learn how to effectively create reasoned and logical arguments and how to disagree respectfully. Ethics & Philosophy forms an essential part of the broader KS4 education. It allows students to deal with the philosophical ideas and the ethical decision-making processes that underpin many of the issues that increasingly affect society today. It also allows them the opportunity to develop and explore the religious, spiritual, moral and philosophical side of their personality within a wider context.
The course focuses on Christianity and Buddism. Somerset SACRE agreed syllabus recommends students follow exam course in KS4, although GCSE not offered lessons, have been adapted from AQA GCSE Religious Studies A, with Christianity and Buddhism as chosen religions, to meet their requirements
Topics covered include:
Truth
Religion and life
Religion Crime and punishment
Religion relationship and families
Religion in the Modern world
Religion Peace and conflict