Beliefs & Ethics

Students at Heritage Park School are taught RE through our Beliefs & Ethics Curriculum. All of the lessons within Key Stages 2 and 3 follow the ‘Derbyshire RE’ syllabus. This ensures that the students sequentially learn about different religions from around the world. Every year termly topics will be planned so that they are progressive, building on previous knowledge and learning, and reduce cognitive overload for students.

At the end of each topic, one lesson will be dedicated to Philosophy for Children ( P4C) . Here children will have the opportunity to share their understanding of Beliefs and Ethics in a non-judgemental, scaffolded supportive lesson. Through incorporating P4C we aim to enhance the pupils thinking and communication skills, developing more thoughtful, reflective and reasonable.

When pupils enter Key Stage 4, the teaching of RE is delivered through the Humanities curriculum. Pupils complete units from the WJEC Humanities Entry Level qualification. There are no formal exams, but student’s complete coursework and submit evidence to show their learning.

Speaking and listening skills play a vital role in our Beliefs and Ethics curriculum. Being able to express opinions in a kind and sensitive way is key to clear expression and freedom of speech. Pupils are guided to give clear discussion and reasoning to support their views, in a calm supportive environment. They are taught that whilst their own views may not be shared, they should be able to express them in a respectful way, they need to acquire skills that allow them to be tolerant of others around them. P4C is the perfect platform for this to happen.

Being able to discuss Beliefs and Ethics is part of our aim to ensure that our students are tolerant and respectful towards all, no matter their beliefs. We believe that learning and understanding others religions is key to developing students with the ability to play, learn and work alongside all those they meet in their journey through life.

It is our aim within the teaching of Beliefs & Ethics at Heritage to:

prioritise the skills of speaking and listening to best support our pupils to communicate their knowledge and understanding of theirs and others Beliefs and Ethics.
ensure that tolerance for all beliefs is central to all that we do. Promote mutual respect and acceptance in a diverse society.
embed the skills of independent communication and debate through quality first teaching which explicitly teaches new and appropriate vocabulary.
create a language rich environment and atmosphere where philosophy for children is practised.
ensure children have the skills, acceptance and understanding of their own beliefs and those of others within the wider communities.

For details of how we achieve our aims and how we know if we have achieved our aims, read the Subject on a Page document below.

Qualifications

Students study WJEC Pathways in Humanities from Y9.

The Entry Pathways Humanities specification provides learners, centres and employers, with an inclusive and flexible qualification that recognises the widest possible range of quality-assured learner achievements

Students cover a range of units from entry level 2 to entry level 3. The theme of religious education is a constant throughout.

Qualifications currently on offer include: -

WJEC Pathways - Entry Level 2 and 3

beliefs ethics subject on a page .pdf