RE – Ysgol Y Grango

RE

For problem solving, a critical mind and good powers of analysis

GCSE Religious Studies

If you are good at problem solving, have a critical mind and good powers of analysis you have the essential qualities needed to study GCSE Religious Studies. These skills are useful for many career fields including medicine, law, journalism, education, travel and business. Employers look for an RS qualification as they know people will have this range of skills and will be able to work effectively as part of a team.

In Years 10 and 11 students will follow the WJEC GCSE Religious Studies course. The course is divided into two units. The first unit is completed in Year 10 and the second unit in Year 11.

Year 10

Learners will study a unit called Religion and Philosophical Themes in Year 10. In this unit, pupils will explore the core beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity and one other religion. In addition, pupils will also study the following philosophical themes:

Life and Death.
Good and Evil.

Learners will also have the opportunity to explore non-religious beliefs such as those held by Humanists and Atheists in this unit.

Year 11

Learners will explore the unit Religion and Ethical Themes. In this unit, pupils will study the core beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity and one other religion. In addition, pupils will also have the opportunity to explore the following ethical themes:

Relationships.
Human Rights.

Examination

Religious Studies is assessed through a written examination only. Currently, there is no coursework element to the course. There will be one examination at the end of Year 10 for the unit Religion and Philosophical Themes and another in Year 11 for the unit Religion and Ethical Themes.

Enrichment Opportunities

Berlin and Krakow Trip

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

Year 8 History Castle Building Competition

Homework

Homework can take a variety of forms including written tasks, revision exercises, online tasks and preparation for coursework or practical examinations. The aim of homework is to supplement the learning that takes place in the classroom and instil independent learning, a crucial lifelong skill. Staff aim to give ample time to complete homework tasks so learners should plan their own time carefully in order to meet deadlines. The frequency of homework can vary depending on the number of lessons offered over a fortnight.

The majority of subject areas make use of Google Classroom to communicate any homework requirements to the learners. I would encourage learners and parents/carers to check Google Classrooms regularly.

Parents/Carers should endeavour to provide a quiet space for their children to complete homework tasks. Where this is not possible, the school does provide such places for learners to access in their lunchtime or afterschool hours. Please encourage learners to discuss this with their tutors or progress leaders in the first instance.

Feedback

Feedback will be verbally given throughout lessons according to set tasks. Students will be expected to act positively on the feedback given and to improve or refine their work.

There will be feedback lessons following some assessments to allow students to improve their work in DIRT based on the guidance given.

Assessment

Assessment is an important aspect of a learner’s learning journey. Apart from indicating the current performance of an individual, assessments also inform learners and staff which areas they need to develop. At Ysgol y Grango, staff continuously assess a learner’s progress through a variety of methods. This could include informal assessment, such as quizzes or observations, or formal assessments, such as written tests or coursework.

Ysgol y Grango use an online system called Go4Schools to track and monitor individual learners. Learners and parents/carers can also access information such as reports and subject progress through their own Go4schools login.

Throughout Key stage 4, learners will sit various external assessments. The timing of these assessments varies depending on the subject. Some of these assessment timings are controlled by the school but many are put in place by the examination board. As such it is important that learners are present for these assessments as missing elements of a course can significantly affect the overall grade for a learner.

There will be 3 formal assessments per year. These will include peer-marked knowledge questions, multiple choice and extended written responses during each topic.