Religious Education

RE is taught alongside History and Geography within the Humanities Department, and is a study of religious beliefs, teaching and practices within the UK.  Religion and beliefs for many people forms a crucial part of their culture and identity.  The UK is increasingly multi-cultural and as such society is affected by many religious beliefs and practices.

RE focuses on a study of individual religious beliefs, where they come from and how they are put into practice.  It encourages students to consider and question their own beliefs within this framework and society, comparing them to other religious beliefs and practices.   As pupils study RE they encounter different societies and cultures gaining an understanding of how nations with different religious views come to rely on each other, especially as the ‘myth’ that we all live together in one “global village” is slowly becoming a reality.  RE can inspire them to think about their own place in the world, their values, their rights and their responsibilities to other people and the society in which they live.

In the Humanities Department we value skills, achievement and the desire for knowledge along with application and effort.

RE is like an iceberg.  As you unpack ideas, you come to understand deeper meaning.

Aims

New Forest School aims to give students the opportunity to:

• Develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of the world and society around them.
• Understand the origins of religions around the world.
• Learn about religions of the world and investigate their own thoughts feelings and spirituality.

As students move through KS3 they will be given the opportunity to work and develop an understanding of Religious Education.   At KS4, students study RS with a view to completing GCSE.  With the bespoke programmes and time limitations students are given options of subjects that they might want to study at KS4.

Key Stage 3: Religious Education is delivered by a subject specialist with the majority of students receiving 1 dedicated Religious Education lesson per week (alongside other Humanities subjects).
Key Stage 4: Students opting for GCSE Religious Education receive 3 dedicated Religious Education lessons, delivered by a subject specialist.

The curriculum map for Religious Education (topics taught by year) can downloaded in .pdf format

Depending on ability, students have the opportunity to undertake the following, nationally recognised, qualifications:

AQA Unit Awards: Level 1 – Level 3

NGB Awards: For example NICAS Climbing, British Canoeing Paddle Power Awards, GNAS Archery Awards

DofE: We have a thriving Duke of Edinburgh Award Group with students regularly completing Bronze and Silver Awards.

Students have access to the following and facilities resources to support their learning:
Calshot Activity Centre: A multi activity outdoor centre offering land and water activities which our teachers can deliver.
Outdoor Learning Centre: Our own small centre which provides access to a number of OED activities and bushcraft/forest school.
The New Forest: On our door step and used regularly for bushcraft, forest school and navigation based activities.