Religious Studies

Religious education is an opportunity to explore a vital area of human experience, to examine each other’s cultural roots, to face far reaching questions of right and wrong, and to be exposed to some of the world’s most influential thinkers, it is hard not to want to discuss their ideas and so lead to an exploration of our own thoughts and beliefs.

It is taught in an open, critical and sympathetic manner in which the student can enquire and raise questions without always been given any firm or conclusive answers. There is never any question of imposing particular religious values or beliefs to the students, although the basic values of education and of the school will be supported. It is important that the children are given the opportunity to discuss their views in whole class or small group discussions. The teacher has a key role here in leading the discussions and asking appropriate questions. Debates are a useful way of discussing religious and moral issues.

Religious Studies provides opportunities to develop literacy skills as it is a text based subject, study skills through project work so that the children use the library and ICT to extend their knowledge.

Religious Studies is closely linked to our Chapel services where the weekly sermons on Sundays have raised moral and religious issues and these are used by the teachers where appropriate; the speakers on Sunday come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. The readings and talks on other days are also an important part of the children’s learning and understanding. The Chapel plays a central part in the life of the school and it is an important element in the teaching of religious and moral values. There has also been a strengthening of the teaching of moral, social and cultural issues through the tutorial system and PSHE. Moral issues are also taught through other subjects such as History, Geography and Science. We teach moral issues in RS as part of our teaching of religious issues.

RS does provide opportunities for linking with drama and many of the Bible stories can be interpreted by the children through drama. We also aim to bring the subject alive with an annual visit to see the “Life of Christ” at Bramley in Surrey which is a spectacular open-air production, charting the life and times of Christ from the Nativity to the Ascension. The play is in three acts with a short break for lunch and the audience follow the actors from scene to scene through the stunning grounds. The play has a host of adults and children involved in acting roles and a number of well-trained animals (including a camel!). This contemporary and innovative re-telling of the New Testament account of the life of Christ brings the story to life brilliantly and is an extremely creative and memorable RS trip for all our Twos. We also aim to take a number of children to visit synagogues, Chichester Cathedral, Lancing College Chapel and other religious centres.

Our aim is to make Religious Studies a vibrant subject that allows the children to explore and discuss as well as giving them a good introduction to the Bible and other religions.

Related documents:

  Life of Christ (3.2 MiB)