Vision
The aim of RE at OVA is to introduce students to philosophical concepts and religious ideas & practises with a focus on the ways in which these impact the lives they lead. The curriculum is rooted in ensuring all students irrelevant of background or belief are able to have and express considered opinions thoughtfully and with due respect. Our curriculum explores three approaches to religion and ethical living:
Philosophy
We believe that through questioning the world and exploring ideas using logic and epistemological principles, students can understand the ethical underpinnings of their own lives and of the various viewpoints that they will encounter.
Sociology
Using key principles of sociology will allow students to find ways of understanding the impact religion and philosophy have on cultures and societies (and vice versa).
Theology
Understanding how people have explored the concept of the divine and been motivated by it, and how the questions and justifications arising from this have a meaning in their lives.
RE forms a part of the wider Personal Development structure at OVA and we believe that giving our students the chance to understand more about the beliefs and motivations of people from other cultural and religious backgrounds is a key tool in building empathetic global citizens as well as strengthening our own local communities.
Curriculum Overview
Religious Education is a timetabled lesson for students and follows the key elements of the Norfolk Agreed Syllabus.
In KS3 students are introduced to philosophical and theological ways of understanding religion and the questions religion seeks to answer. The units they cover in Years 7 and 8 focus on an introduction to core philosophical, theological and sociological questions. These questions and ways of thinking are then developed and applied to religions, starting with Christianity and then moving on to explore a wider range of religious viewpoints including Humanism.
Progression and Careers
The RE curriculum and delivery is planned with input from other departments to ensure that students are aware of the transferrable skills which they are developing. Being confident and clear communicating their opinions, being able to use evidence to back up their assertations, and demonstrating an awareness of other points of view are all skills which are required for pupils to do well in other humanities subjects as well as in English and Science.
Religious Education can follow onto an A-Level and university degree in many subjects including Philosophy and Ethics. Other subjects it would be beneficial for include: Law, Politics, Classics, History, Psychology and English.
Religious Education has many transferable skills which would benefit a range of future careers including: politician, historian, charity worker, careers in the army, lawyer, journalist, teacher, doctor, vet, working for large companies abroad and author.
Feedback and questions
If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback regarding the Religious Education programme please contact Mr Andrew Wilson, Head of RE by emailing [email protected]
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