Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (RPE)

Head of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics Mrs N McGovern
Religion, Philosophy and Ethics Teachers Miss E Budd and Miss S Pradhan
Curriculum Support Mrs C Salter
In Chelmer Valley High School we explore learning themes and questions throughout KS3 and KS4, these are Philosophical and Ethical in nature and we look at these from the point of views of different religions as well as humanist atheists.
 
Students get opportunities to visit local religious buildings and Home Learning encourages them to investigate the meaning of these topics to their own lives and the lives of those around them. They are also encouraged to take action to make the world a better place by raising money for charity.
 
 
 

Key Stage Three

Key Stage Three:

At KS3 we currently follow the Essex Agreed Syllabus, looking at a range of religions and topics. Students learn about religion and learn from religion.

Ofsted 2004 said, "Pupils themselves report that they consider themselves well taught in this subject and particularly appreciate the opportunities to express their own opinions and to participate in discussion. They also say that their questions are well answered and they are always clear about what they are doing."

Year 7 - Learning theme; ‘I Matter, Does God?’

Unit 1 Who is God?
Unit 2 The World; yours or Gods?
Unit 3 Where do people experience God?
 

Year 8- Learning theme; ‘How easy is it to belong to a faith?’

Unit 1 Why does God allow evil?
Unit 2 Is every day the same, should one day be special?
Unit 3 Do animals matter?
Unit 4 Should all religious rituals and ceremonies be banned?
Unit 5 Islam:  A religion for the 21st century?
Unit 6 Expressing meaning project

Year 9 - Learning theme; ‘Is There Always an answer? Does religion provide one?’

Unit 1 How do we make ethical decisions?
Unit 2 Are people treated equally?
Unit 3 Ultimate Questions
Unit 4 Can you be a Buddhist in 21st century Britain?
Unit 5 Crime, Punishment and Justice

Key Stage Four

At GCSE we offer Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (Qualification awarded GCSE Religious Studies).  This is an RS based course and is incredibly popular.  Over the two year GCSE course students will study Christianity and Buddhism in relation to the following themes:-

  • Religion and life
  • Religion, human rights and social justice
  • Religion, peace and conflict
  • Religion, crime and punishment

A Level Philosophy

We follow the AQA Philosophy specification at A Level, the course is linear with two 3 hour exams at the end. We cover philosophical topics such as What can we know? (Epistemology), How can we judge right form wrong? (Moral Philosophy), Philosophy of Mind and Religious Philosophy.
The subject involves debate and discussion as well as in depth reading into philosophical texts. Students will be expected to have excellent essay writing skills and be critical thinkers.
Page Downloads  
CVHS STEPS RE PRINT SEPT.pdf Download
RPE curriculum intent and plans Download