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Philosophy, Religion and Ethics - Year 8

Mathematics - Year 7

Click here to return to our Philosophy, Religion and Ethics curriculum home page

Below you will find more specific information about the curriculum in Philosophy, Religion and Ethics for Year 8 students, explaining to you what students will learn, when, why and how. There is also information about how parents/carers are able to support students in their learning, extra-curricular opportunities in this subject and how it links to other subjects and the wider world.

Subject Key Concepts              

#1 Beliefs and Practices     #2 Sources of Wisdom    #3 Symbols and Actions     #4 Prayer, Worship and Reflection  

#5 Identity and Belonging     #6 Ultimate Questions     #7 Human Responsibility and Values    #8 Justice and Fairness

Please click here for Subject Key Concepts.

Curriculum Overview for the Autumn/Spring Term 

Term

Topic / Specific Knowledge

Specific Skills

Autumn

Will you be my people? – Judaism

 

PRE key concepts:

·         Introduction to Judaism

·         Who was Abraham and Moses

·         10 Commandments

·         Understand Shoah and Holocaust

·         Judaism Festivals

 

Key skills: compare the key religious festivals, know the religions key teachings, independently research, interpret and present, understand the different religious views. Study key figures in faith such as Moses, Abraham and evaluate the impact these figures have had on religion.

 

Assessment:

Evaluate their knowledge to respond to a discussion question. 

·         Understand the significance of Abrahams and Moses story to Jews

·         Identify different festivals celebrated by Jews and the importance of celebrating.

·         Explain what rights Jewish people lost in World War 2

·         Evaluate the rules set out in the 10 commandments

 

Sikhism

 

PRE key concepts:

·         Equality

·         Sikhs Beliefs

·         Who was Guru Nanak

·         Place of worship

 

Key skills: Key beliefs and teachings of Sikhism. Festivals and Rituals. Comparing traditional and contemporary Sikhism. Study key figures in Sikhism; Guru Nanak.

 

Assessment:

Evaluate their knowledge to respond to a discussion question. 

·         Understand the beliefs of Sikhism and how equality is implemented in current times.

·         Identifying religious places of worship and their importance in daily life.

·         Explain the key beliefs and teachings of Sikhism.

·         Evaluate

Term

Topic / Specific Knowledge

Specific Skills

Spring

Hinduism

 

PRE key concepts:

·         Introduction to Hinduism  

·         Hindu beliefs in God and Creation

·         Research the importance of key Gods

·         Places and types of worship

·         Hindu Festivals

 

Key skills: compare the key religious festivals, know the religions key teachings, independently research, interpret and present, understand the different religious views. Study key Gods such as Brahman and Trimurti and evaluate the rules of faith have had on religion.

 

Assessment:

Evaluate their knowledge by creating an information booklet. 

·         To understand and reflect what Brahman means to Hindus

·         Explain what Hindu’s believe about creation

·         Discuss how creation links with how the world should be treated

·         Explain where and how Hindus worship

·         Explain how Diwali is celebrated by Hindus across the world including Britain.

 

Jesus and the Holy Week

 

PRE key concepts:

·         Who was Jesus of Nazareth

·         Parables

·         Jesus and Miracles

·         Easter Story

·         Importance of Good Friday

 

Key skills: Key beliefs and teachings of Christianity. Festivals and Rituals related to the Holy Week. Comparing traditional and contemporary celebrations of Easter.

 

Assessment:

Evaluate their knowledge to respond to a discussion question. 

 

 

·         Recall, explain and reflect on the key events in the life of Jesus.

·         Identify what parables are and recognise how they are used within Christianity.

·         Explain the different types of miracles that Jesus performed

·         Understand and discuss why Holy Week and Easter are so important to Christians.

Useful documents:

Please click here for a PDF of curriculum overview Autumn Term.
Please click here for a PDF of curriculum overview Spring Term.

While this information covers a broad range of areas, please do get in touch with the Subject Leader Mrs Wells if you have any questions.

Please click on the questions below to find out more.

How are groups organised?

Classes are mixed ability, they have two lessons per fortnight

What characteristics does a successful student have in this subject?

Successful students will be inquisitive and enjoy asking questions. They will enjoy completing work that supports these skills

How will students learn at this level?

  • Taught lessons and power-points
  • Practising different written skills
  • Discussion
  • Peer and teacher assessment
  • Group, pair and individual work
  • Homework that encourages and extends learning

How will students’ learning be assessed at this level?

Year 8 students will have x3 assessments throughout the year.

They are given a question relating to their learning and they are required to write an essay style answer giving for, against and their own opinion. This is starting to then develop the skills they use throughout KS3 and are essential for KS4.

When do key assessments take place?

X 1 assessment per term

How can parents/carers support students’ learning?

https://www.thegrid.org.uk/learning/re/sacre/

  • Review the above to understand what is taught in PRE lessons.
  • Offer support with homework
  • Encourage students to read around the subject areas, including daily news and watching current affairs programmes 

What equipment do students need for this subject?

Essential school equipment

How does this subject link to other subjects?

  • English – accurate writing skills
  • Art – drawing / creative skills
  • Geography – looking at the geographical placement of religions
  • History – historical background of the religion is often essential

What websites or resources may be helpful to support students’ learning?

https://www.thegrid.org.uk/learning/re/sacre/

True tube

BBC news

What extra-curricular or enrichment opportunities are available for students in this subject at this level?

  • Philosophy Club
  • Assemblies

What sort of careers can this subject lead to?

  • Teacher
  • Any religious vocation
  • Social Work
  • Police
  • Doctor / Nurse (Ethics topics)
  • Law

What does student work look like in this subject at this level?

https://www.thegrid.org.uk/learning/re/sacre/

How does this subject support a broad and balanced curriculum, meeting the needs of all students, and developing traditional core skills?

 

How does this subject promote creativity, critical thinking, practice, perseverance and resilience, and making links?

 

How does this subject encourage enrichment and the development of cultural capital, deep learning, and inclusivity?