The RE department at De La Salle School are committed to recognising, valuing and educating every individual in their care as special and unique, created in God’s own image and likeness. Saint Pope John Paul II described RE in a Catholic school as the “core of the core curriculum.” The special role of Religious Education in the curriculum of a catholic school enables the school to fulfil its mission to educate the whole person.
We have a dedicated and experienced staff who follow a scheme of learning designed around the requirements of the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales’ Curriculum Directory.
Key Stage 3
In Year 7, 8 and 9 students follow a programme of study based around three themes: spirituality, wisdom, and happiness. Through these themes students will develop their understanding of the Catholic faith as well as the faiths of others such as the Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism), Buddhism, and Islam. Students will also have opportunities to reflect on and articulate their own worldview. Students can expect to work as theologians studying religion; as philosophers debating big questions; and, as social scientists studying the psychological and sociological impacts of religion.
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4 students follow a linear approach at GCSE. 100% of their final grade is achieved in Year 11, where they will sit three papers.
Paper 1 is based on Catholic Christianity where the students will focus on the meaning and importance of Christian beliefs and values, issues surrounding community and tradition in the Catholics’ Church, meaning and importance of worship and celebration, and finally looking at the meaning and importance of living a Christian life.
Paper 2 is a study of a 2nd religion: Judaism. Students study in depth key beliefs and teachings, practices, acts of worship, festivals celebrated and how beliefs held affect the lives of both reform and orthodox Jews.
Paper 3 explores contemporary moral issues from religious and non-religious perspectives focussing on issues surrounding belief in God, religious experiences, the problem of evil, marriage and family life and gender prejudice and discrimination.
There is no coursework in GCSE RE therefore exam preparation is a permanent and ongoing aspect of all lessons.