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Charles Darwin School

Citizenship & Religious Education

Citizenship/RE is compulsory in Years 7 –9, combining RE and Citizenship modules.   RE is a valued subject at Charles Darwin School as it contributes to pupils' personal development and well-being and to community cohesion by promoting mutual respect and tolerance in a diverse society. It encourages our students to develop their sense of identity and belonging. It enables them to flourish individually within their communities and as citizens in a diverse society and global community. RE has an important role in preparing pupils for adult life, employment and lifelong learning. It enables pupils to develop respect for and sensitivity to others, in particular those whose faiths and beliefs are different from their own. It promotes discernment and enables pupils to combat prejudice.

Year 7 topics

  • An introduction to RE and how religion fits into the 21st Century
  • What are the origins of the 5 main world religions?
  • Why are religious festivals so important in the main world religions?
  • What are the main rites of passage?
  • What are our human and political rights?
  • A citizenship module on punishment, crime and responsibility within the local area

Year 8 topics

  • Crime and punishment and how different religions view this
  • Suffering and the difference between natural and human causes of suffering
  • The history of Judaism from its origins to the present day – including a depth study on the Holocaust
  • Places of pilgrimage
  • Charity and religious views towards giving

Year 9 topics

  • Believing in God – reasons for people having faith and what influences their beliefs
  • Matters of Life and Death -  including controversial issues such as euthanasia and abortion
  • Marriage and the Family – includes looking at single sex marriage, divorce and religious views towards these issues

Why study RE? 

  • RE promotes the spiritual, moral, social, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils and of society.

  • RE prepares pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.

  • RE provides an opportunity for pupils to reflect on controversial  issues and to challenge their preconceptions; to consider the views of others for example in looking at the theme of euthanasia or abortion.
  • It is a fascinating and interesting subject which encourages pupils to display empathy and tolerance towards others in their community

Common questions 

Q. Do I have to do RE?

A. This is a subject which you will study from  years 7 – 10 and is compulsory within all these year groups, for one lesson a week.

Q. How will it help me in the future?

A. RE is a valued subject for its academic rigour, the literacy skills which it demands and skills which employers and institutions of further education value.

Who will teach me?   

Probably members of the Humanities Faculty

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