The RE Department at George Salter Academy consists of highly motivated and enthusiastic teachers who are determined to ensure that all students succeed.
As an Academy we are not obliged to adhere to the Sandwell Agreed Syllabus. However, in our curriculum planning we do consider and utilise it as guidance. As such, our curriculum provides all students with the opportunity to; Make sense of a range of religious and non-religious beliefs, Understand the impact and significance of religious and non-religious beliefs and Make connections between religious and non-religious beliefs, concepts, practices and ideas. In addition, at Key Stage 3 all students explore the views of the 6 main world religions and non-religious views held by Atheists and Humanists. This is representative of both our school and community. We ensure that the RE curriculum at George Salter Academy, both in content and delivery ensures that students, “explore what people believe and what difference this makes to how they live, so that pupils can gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to handle questions raised by religion and belief, reflecting on their own ideas and ways of living”, which is the aim of RE as stated in the Sandwell Agreed Syllabus.
The Sandwell Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education 2018 – 2023: https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/info/200295/schools_and_learning/4425/the_sandwell_agreed_syllabus_for_religious_education
The RE curriculum should give a broad understanding of all 6 major world religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism). Students should gain a depth and breadth of knowledge about the beliefs and practices of each religion. They should also develop empathy and respect for others regardless of their religious preferences. They will understand the importance and place of religion in the world today, historically and culturally through the study of ethical and philosophical issues and consider the significance and impact of religion upon the individual and the community. “However, should you wish to discuss the right to withdraw from the RE curriculum, please get in touch with the academy. However, should you wish to discuss the right to withdraw from the RE curriculum, please get in touch with the academy.
The RE Department offers a number of study support sessions for students across different year groups. Key Stage 4 and 5 students are well supported in preparation for their examinations with after school revision, twilight sessions, and holiday activities.
Miss M Majszak (Interim Head of Department), [email protected]
“RE is about sharing your own opinions but listening to others viewpoints. It’s where you can get your point across without being afraid.”
“The teachers really care about us.”
“Staff are really supportive in preparation for the exams”
In KS3 students will study aspects of the 6 main world religions, with a focus on teachings, beliefs and practises. Alongside this they will explore philosophical and ethical issues from religious and non-religious perspectives. Throughout KS3 students will develop their understanding of the world around them and the place religion has both locally and globally. The KS3 curriculum will prepare students for KS4 and help develop confident, critical thinkers who are knowledgeable about the world around them and tolerant of all.
In KS4 all students will complete a Short course GCSE in Religious Studies. This will comprise of the three components. The study of Christianity (Beliefs and Teachings), Judaism (Beliefs and Teachings) and Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Issues in the Modern world (Issues of relationships and Issues of Life and Death.) In addition to the compulsory short course, students may opt to study full course as one of their options. This comprises of the units mentioned above with the addition of The study of Christianity (Practices), Judaism (Practices) and Philosophical and Ethical Issues in the Modern world (Issues of good and evil and Issues of Human rights.)
Religious Studies A Level is linear. Linear means that students will sit all their exams at the end of the course.
There are two assessed components.
• Component 1: Philosophy of religion and ethics
• Component 2: Study of religion and dialogues
Students gain critical and evaluative skills sought by higher education and employers – particularly in law, education, social work, politics, medicine, administration and the media.
Please visit the designated Sixth Form section to find out more information about the courses we offer.