Religious Education at West Hill is a key subject studied by all pupils from Year 7 to Year 11. The department comprises two specialist teachers. Classrooms are equipped with whiteboards and resources and access to I.C.T. suites for further research and project work is available. The department also has a wide range of religious artefacts to enhance pupil experience of ritual and symbols as experienced by followers of some of the key world religions.

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3 pupils explore questions about life and religion and how belonging to a religion influences individuals and communities. Christianity and other world religions are explored, as are non religious thoughts. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on and examine their own feelings, values and beliefs. Through a combination of activities and written tasks, pupils will be able to appreciate the views and opinions of others and move forward in developing their own ideas and opinions. Pupils are timetabled to study R.E. for one hour per week.

 

Key Stage 4

Religious Studies at Key Stage 4 comprises two courses of study:

 

GCSE RE Short Course

This compulsory course of ‘Religion and Life’ is based on Christianity, Islam and Hinduism from the Edexcel examination board. It is studied in a block of 16 lessons per academic year at KS4. In year 11 pupils will take the final examination and may be awarded a half GCSE or an Entry Level Certificate in RE.
Further details can be found at: www.edexcel.com/subjects/Religious-Studies

GCSE Ethics and Philosophy of Religion

This course has two subject areas, Ethics and Philosophy of Religion and comprises two modules. Pupils are timetabled for three hours of study per week.
Ethics
This unit will provide you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding of ethics in the Christian traditions by exploring challenging moral questions.
Philosophy of Religion
Religious philosophy is the study of how religions seek to give answers to the ultimate questions that face most people. Philosophy is the seeking of knowledge by asking questions and analysing the answers. Religion is the reaching beyond the present existence for ultimate answers.

The Ethics unit is studied in Year 10 and culminates in the GCSE examination at the end of Year 10. The Philosophy unit is studied in Year 11 and culminates in the GCSE examination at the end of Year 11. The combined courses add up to a full GCSE.
Further details can be found at: www.aqa.org.uk

Additional Information

Year 8 Liverpool Slavery Exhibition and Cathedral Enrichment Trip

Year 10 BBC Big Bang Exhibition 5th July 2011

Year 10 Placement at Willow Wood Hospice October 2011

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