Head of Department: Mrs F Allen
The provision of Religious Education for students is required under the Education Reform Act of 1988.
Religious Education at Herne Bay High aims to engage, inspire and challenge students thinking. For students to be able to understand our constantly changing world it is essential that they can interpret religious and moral issues and evaluate their significance. Religious Education equips students with the knowledge and skills required to answer challenging questions connected to belief, philosophy, and ethics. In addition, it enables students to ask deep and often searching questions about the beliefs and opinions of others. Through RE students develop responsibility and respect for all aspects of diversity, whether it be social, cultural, or religious. In tackling difficult questions RE provides students with an insight that can help to challenge stereotypes and promote cohesion.
Students across all key stages have the opportunity to visit places of worship connected to the religions being studied. For example, opportunities are provided to visit Canterbury Cathedral, a local mosque, Southwark Cathedral and London Central Mosque. Where possible, speakers from a range of religions are also invited into lessons. In addition, the following further enrichment opportunities are potentially available:
The Department also runs an after school club to support students with homework and provide an environment to further discuss topics covered in lessons.
In Key Stage 3 Religious Education reflects the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main Christian, whilst taking account of the teachings and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain such as Islam and Buddhism. In addition to the study of world religions students are also introduced to atheism, philosophy, and ethics. A range of philosophical and ethical issues are examined throughout all key stages.
In Key Stage 4 students can opt to study for the AQA Religious Studies Full Course qualification. This course examines a range of religious beliefs and practices connected to Islam and Christianity alongside studying thematic issues such as Crime & Punishment and Peace & Conflict.
Click here for exam board information on GCSE Religious Studies
In Key Stage 5 students who have successfully completed the GCSE can opt to study the Edexcel A Level in Religious Studies. The two-year course covers Philosophy of Religion, Ethics and Islam. Students are required to examine a range of issues and study scholars who have contributed to debates about the existence of God, religion and ethics.
Click here for exam board information on A-Level Religious Studies