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.
Component 1 is based on Foundational Catholic Theology which is worth 37% of the overall marks. This paper is split into two sections: Origins and meaning and evil and suffering. Students will study aspects of the origins of the universe, creationism, sanctity of life, revelation, symbolism and art as well as CST, CAFOD and SV. Evil and suffering will be explored including solutions and responses, Jesus moral authority, sculpture and statues and popular piety.
Component 2 is based on Applied Catholic Theology which is worth 37% of the overall marks. This paper is spilt into two sections: Life and death and Sin and forgiveness. Students will study Eschatology, rights to die, Magisterium and the 2nd Vatican council as well as exploring aspects of music, prayer and funeral rites. Students will explore the concepts of forgiveness, capital punishment salvation as well as evangelisation within Britain and worldwide.
Component 3 is based on the study of a 2nd world religion: Judaism. This paper is worth 25% of the overall marks. Students study in depth key beliefs and teachings, practices, acts of worship, festivals and how beliefs held affect the lives of both reform and orthodox Jews.
There is no coursework in GCSE RE therefore exam preparation is a permanent and ongoing aspect of all lessons.