Religious Education
KS3 Curriculum Vision
At Mount St Joseph, the Religious Education curriculum at Key Stage 3 involves incorporating the teachings and values of the Catholic faith, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of Catholicism and its application in daily life. We hope to instil in our students spiritual development which will enhance an understanding of Catholic doctrines, sacraments, and traditions.
Religious Education at KS3 also touches on developing a student’s moral, social, and educational awareness, offering a strong moral framework based on the teaching of Jesus Christ which enables students to develop a well-formed conscience to make ethical decisions, emphasising virtues such as compassion, honesty and respect for human dignity.
We also hope to inspire students’ thinking through the analysis of religious texts and ethical dilemmas as well as theological concepts, developing well-rounded individuals who are not only knowledgeable about their faith but also equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world with a strong moral compass and a commitment to social justice and the common good.
What your child will learn
Year 7
Term 1a: Creation and Covenant – How is God known through the story of creation?
Term 1b: Prophecy and Promise – How does the Bible influence lives of Christians?
Term 2a: Galilee to Jerusalem – Who is the ‘son of God’?
Term 2b: Desert to Garden – Why is the Eucharist important?
Term 3a: To the Ends of the Earth – What is the Holy Spirit and why is it important?
Term 3a: Dialogue and Encounter – What was discussed at the early church council meetings?
Year 8
Term 1a: Creation and Covenant – What were the consequences of the fall?
Term 1b: Prophecy and Promise – How were the prophets called by God and what did they do?
Term 2a: Galilee to Jerusalem – How did Jesus treat people in society?
Term 2b: Desert to Garden – What does the Bible teach us about suffering?
Term 3a: To the Ends of the Earth – Did Jesus really rise from the dead?
Term 3a: Dialogue and Encounter – What did Pope St Paul VI teach about dialogue?
Year 9
Term 1a: Islam – What are the foundations of Islamic beliefs?
Term 1b: Peace and Conflict – Does religion cause war?
Term 2a: Crime and Punishment – Can major crimes ever be forgiven?
Term 2b: Social Injustice – If we are all created equally, why do prejudices exist?
Term 3a: Matters of life and Death – Do humans have the right to end life?
Term 3a: Judaism – What are the basic beliefs of the Jewish faith?
Help your child extend their knowledge
For each half-term there is a Knowledge Expert Sheet which outlines the essential knowledge that all students in Year 7, 8 and 9 need to know.
Use of carousel study packs for recall and retrieval practice. Links to these will be provided by your class teacher.
Use of knowledge expert sheets – also provided by your class teacher.
Students demonstrate their depth of knowledge by completing their Knowledge Expert Books.KS3 Recommended Reading
KS4 Curriculum Vision
At Mount St Joseph, the Religious Education curriculum at Key Stage 4 involves incorporating the teachings and values of the Catholic faith, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of Catholicism, and its application in daily life. We hope to instill in our students spiritual development which will enhance an understanding of Catholic doctrines, sacraments, and traditions.
Religious Education at KS4 also touches on developing a student’s moral, social, and educational awareness, offering a strong moral framework based on the teaching of Jesus Christ which enables students to develop a well-formed conscience to make ethical decisions, emphasising virtues such as compassion, honesty and respect for human dignity.
We also hope to inspire students’ thinking through the analysis of religious texts and ethical dilemmas as well as theological concepts, developing well-rounded individuals who are not only knowledgeable about their faith but also equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world with a strong moral compass and a commitment to social justice and the common good.
What your child will learn
Year 10
Term 1: Jewish beliefs and practices – Students will gain foundational knowledge on the core beliefs of Judaism and how the faith is practiced from both orthodox and reform traditions.
Term 2: Catholic beliefs – Students will study core Catholic beliefs looking at the importance of the Bible and what it teaches about Jesus Christ.
Term 3: Catholic Practices – Students will explore how the Catholic faith can be practiced through worship and the sacraments
Year 11
Term 1: Sources of Wisdom and Authority – Students explore the various sources of authority as a guide to live out the Catholic faith. These include the Bible, Church and the authority of Jesus.
Term 2: Philosophy and Ethics – Students investigate how belief in Catholicism transfers into everyday life. How can God be experienced in this modern world? How does a religious life affect everyday values and our relationships with others?
Term 3: Exam Preparation – Students will be provided with exam materials and support in the lead upto their final exams.
Help your child extend their knowledge
For each half-term there is a Knowledge Expert Sheet which outlines the essential knowledge that all students in Year 10 and 11 need to know.
Use of carousel study packs for recall and retrieval practice. Links to these will be provided by your class teacher.
Use of knowledge expert sheets – also provided by your class teacher.
Students demonstrate their depth of knowledge by completing their Knowledge Expert Books.