Philosophy, Religion & Ethics (PRE)
Philosophy, Religion and Ethics provokes challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, the self and issues of right and wrong. It develops pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the 6 main religions.
It enhances pupils’ awareness and understanding of religions and beliefs, teachings, practices and forms of expression, as well as of the influence of religion on individuals, families, communities and cultures. They explore ethical issues from personal perspectives and develop an understanding of other people’s views.
Employers recognise the valuable and transferable skills that come with studying Religious Studies. Additionally, UCAS states that…
“Knowledge of other cultures and world religious beliefs can be useful in many jobs where you are working with the public or communities. These include counselling and social services, marketing, sales and advertising, catering and hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism, retail sales and customer services, education and training, medicine and nursing, and service sector roles.”
Key Stage 3
Pupils in Year 7 and in Year 8 have one lesson of PRE per week. Pupils learn about the traditions, beliefs, teachings, practices and forms of expression of 6 key religions: Judaism and Buddhism (Year 7) Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Sikhism (Year 8).
We offer pupils the opportunity to develop spiritually, morally, socially and culturally through the study of these religions. Pupils are also encouraged to reflect on what they have learnt and apply this to their own lives, even if the beliefs are different to their own. They develop their ability to apply their knowledge and understanding of how religion impacts the individual, communities and society. The PRE curriculum also focuses on ethical debates and issues ranging from animal rights to miracles.
Year 7
Autumn: Buddhism
- Introduction to RE and world religions
- Life of Buddha
- Three poisons
- Wheel of life
- Buddhism rules
- Sangha
- Noble truths
- Eightfold Path
- Diversity of Buddhism
- Dalai Lama
- Buddhism in the UK
Spring: Judaism
- Origins – Joseph and Moses
- 10 commandments
- Synagogue
- Sabbath/ Shabbat
- Festivals
- Yom Kippur
- Passover
- Bar and Bat Mitzvah
- Kosher food
- Judaism in UK and Barnet
Summer: Philosphy & Religion
- Ancient philosophers
- Moral dilemmas
- Existence of God
- How did the world begin?
- Miracles
- The soul
- Animals and humans
- Should we eat meat?
Year 8
Autumn 1: Hinduism
- Dharma
- Hindu life
- Sacred texts
- Caste
- Gandhi
- Gods
- Mandir
- Diwali
Autumn 2: Christianity
- Old testament
- Jesus
- Gospels
- Miracles and Parables
- Baptism
- Prayer
- Worship
- Church
Spring 1: Islam
- Origins
- Holy book
- Prophets
- Mosque
- Imams
- Festivals
- Angels
- Akhirah
- Pilgrimage
Spring 2: Sikhism
- Origins
- Worship
- Pilgrimage
- Marriage
- Gurdwara
- Sikhism in the UK
Summer 1: Conflict and Religion
- Peace
- Attitudes of each religion to war
- Quakers
- Christian crusades
- Israel/ Palestine
- Terrorism
Summer 2: Ethics
- Life is sacred
- Abortion
- Fertility treatment
- Genetic engineering
- Organ transplants
- Suicide
- Euthanasia
- Women’s rights
- Animal rights
- Discriminatio
Enrichment Opportunities
- Global Club
- Our History Month
- Them and Us Month
- Send my friend to school campaign
- PiXL Edge