Religious Studies at St Augustine's

At St Augustine's Priory we aim to develop the children's knowledge and understanding of Catholicism. We present the pupils with the teachings of Jesus, mediated through the teaching of the Catholic Church. Children reflect on what it means to have faith and develop their own spiritual knowledge and understanding.

Our school curriculum for Religious Studies is based on the Religious Education Curriculum Directory (RECD) for Catholic schools. It has been developed by teachers to provide a clear framework for effective, systematic and rigorous teaching and learning which is equal to other curriculum areas for learning in both content and methodology. The primary content of all our Religious Studies material is the teaching and practices of the Catholic Church and their implications for the lives of children as pupils today and the citizens of tomorrow. The Religious Studies subject material must reflect the three key elements of the Catholic faith:

that every human event is marked by the creative activity of God, who communicates goodness to all beings;
that the reality of sin limit and numb every person;
that the life and death and resurrection of Christ, communicated by the Holy Spirit, gives believers the hope of 'fulfilment'.

Other faiths are addressed as a consequence of, and in the context of Catholic teaching. A respectful and tolerant approach to other faiths is fundamental to our mission. We have girls of different faiths who participate in our liturgies and assemblies enriching the spiritual life of our school.

Age 4 - 11

Key Stages 1 - 3

We believe these tenets of faith are embodied in our Religious Studies syllabus for Key Stage 1 - 3, based on the 'I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life' series and provide continuity and progression.

Age 14 - 16

Key Stages 3 - 4

GCSE AQA specification A

For GCSE we study St. Mark's Gospel and Christianity: Behaviour, Attitudes and Lifestyles. We study these over a two-year period and are well prepared for the GCSE exam. There is coursework in both years. Pupils receive a lot of support, which includes 'catch-up' classes after school. These are not compulsory but many of our GCSE pupils like to come for extra tuition, the value of which is reflected in our excellent exam results.

Age 16 - 18 (Key Stage 5)

A Level AQA specification A

For A level we explore the philosophy of religion and challenges to religious belief. The developments in science, in relation to faith, are also considered within a modern day context of medical and environmental ethics.

The course is challenging and pupils are taught how to think critically and analyse information for the purposes of forming structured arguments and reasoned conclusions. The course presents an excellent opportunity to develop the skills of enquiry, and engage with ideas, examining their strengths and weaknesses.

Topics as wide ranging as the existence of God or suffering and the afterlife are explored. Pupils are expected to write essays, prepare and deliver presentations and work on examination papers, however the 'in class' emphasis will be on discussion and understanding.

Trips and outings are frequently arranged to enhance learning, supplementing this enjoyable and stimulating course.