Religious Studies

At TLA we aim to provide a broad and balanced view of the main religions of the world and how they impact the lives of us and those around us.  Also considered will be alternative perspectives and views of those with no religious belief.  Students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to consider and discuss a range of issues and concepts, to view ideas from a range of perspectives and to embrace the diversity of the people we share our lives with. Students will begin to understand how and why our lives are shaped by our beliefs, why people believe what they do, and how this influences their actions.

In KS3 students are introduced to the largest religions in the world, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism. Students also consider alternative world views. As well as key ideas about the beliefs and practices of these faiths, a number of other units are studied which explore the impact of faith on ethical and societal issues, such as medical ethics including euthanasia, stewardship, discrimination and poverty.

In KS4 core studies, students continue their learning from KS3, with the greatest emphasis on Christianity and Islam as the two most followed religions in the UK. A number of themes are studied, designed to engage students in relevant discussion and critical thinking to give them a broad and balanced understanding of the world and their place within it.  Areas covered include ‘Matters of Life’ (including abortion), ‘Crime and Punishment’ (including the death penalty), ‘Relationships and Families’ and ‘Religion in the Media’.

In the Religious Studies GCSE programme of study, the exam spans two papers.  Paper 1 involves a close study of the beliefs and practices of Christianity and Islam, comprising four units of work in total. For paper 2: Thematic Studies, students study religious, philosophical and ethical arguments related to the issues raised, and their impact and influence on the modern world. 

The themes currently studied at TLA are:

• Relationships and Families - explaining contrasting beliefs on the following three issues with reference to the main religious tradition in Britain (Christianity) and one or more other religious traditions: contraception, sexual relationships before marriage, homosexual relationships.
• Religion and Life -  explaining contrasting beliefs on the following three issues with reference to the main religious tradition in Britain (Christianity) and one or more other religious traditions: abortion, euthanasia and animal experimentation.
• Religion, Peace and Conflict - explaining contrasting beliefs on the following three issues with reference to the main religious tradition in Britain (Christianity) and one or more other religious traditions: violence, weapons of mass destruction and pacifism.
• Religion, Crime and Punishment - explaining contrasting beliefs on the following three issues with reference to the main religious tradition in Britain (Christianity) and one or more other religious traditions: corporal punishment, death penalty and forgiveness.

In the KS5 Core curriculum students continue with themed studies. They look at the issues of persecution, poverty, human rights, trafficking, and ethics and morality.

Hours of lessons per fortnight for this subject:

- KS3: 2

- KS4 GCSE : 5

- KS4 Core: 1 

- KS5 Core: 1

AQA GCSE Religious Studies A - Options Christianity and Islam

Fully equipped classrooms with resource library, religious artefacts and fully stocked revision materials

The department offers many enrichment clubs and organises a range of educational visits throughout the year, including a local faith trail. Pupils are able to take part in school-wide competitions, as well as representing the school in local and national events designed to increase their engagement and enhance their subject knowledge.