Subject Leader: Mrs Elisha Allsop
What is Religious Studies (RS)?
It has been said that the more we learn about others, the more we understand ourselves. Every individual has a worldview (a way of seeing the world) and RS enables pupils to critically reflect on their own worldview and the religious and non-religious worldviews of others. Between Y7 and Y11, each pupil has the opportunity to participate in the Selston High School RS ‘QUEST’:
Questions – To facilitate young minds to ask and explore the ‘big questions’ of life.
Understanding of Diversity – To prepare the next generation to flourish in a multi-religious and multi-secular world, being knowledgeable of religious and non-religious worldviews.
Evidence – To provide a knowledge-rich, evidence based Religious Studies curriculum: providing pupils with advanced, in-depth knowledge of Religious Studies, Sociology, Theology, and Philosophy.
SMSC – To contribute towards the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural personal development of pupils at Selston High School.
Talent – To enthuse and inspire the next generation of talented theologians, ethicists, and philosophers.
Why is Religious Studies (RS) important?
RS helps to create a kinder and more respectful world. If pupils are able to reflect on their own worldview and the worldviews of others, this will prepare them for a future in an increasingly diverse multi-religious and multi-secular society. RS also enables pupils to develop the essential skills which are needed for further study, job opportunities and careers in any sector. Pupils will develop critical thinking and writing skills, the ability to debate and disagree with others respectfully, essential knowledge of the beliefs, values and practices of others and a flair for learning about the ever-changing world around them. It is also a legal requirement for all schools to ensure pupils to receive a broad and balanced Religious Studies (RE) curriculum throughout their time in secondary education.
How is Religious Studies (RS) taught?
At Selston, Religious Studies is a highly-valued subject by staff and pupils. All pupils between Y7 and Y11 receive a one hour lesson of RS per week. In future academic years, we also hope to provide the option for pupils in Y10 and Y11 to pursue a GCSE qualification in Religious Studies, should they wish to do so. In each RS lesson at Selston, pupils enjoy the opportunity to read diverse and challenging texts and develop their critical thinking and writing skills. Each lesson also provides an opportunity to pupils to test their knowledge through ‘Do Now’ retrieval activities, low-stakes knowledge quizzes, structured ‘Big Question of the Lesson’ discussions and thorough teacher questioning.
What other opportunities are available to pupils in Religious Studies (RS)?
As part of our assessment of knowledge throughout KS3 and KS4, all classes have the opportunity to enter the ‘Powerful 40 League’, with exciting knowledge-enhancing opportunities for all classes based on achievement. These opportunities include trips to local places of worship, such as a Mosque, Synagogue and Gurdwara. In addition, pupils also have the opportunity to further develop their flair for rigorous ethical and philosophical debate through the lunchtime ‘Big Question Debate Club’. On an annual basis during the summer term, Selston also hosts the Two Counties Trust ‘QuestionFest’, an enjoyable opportunity for the whole school community to explore many of the most thought-provoking big questions of life.
