Ethics (Citizenship, Law & Religious Studies)

Ethics Team

Mrs L Smillie	Head of Department
Miss G Belfiore	Teacher of Religious Studies and Citizenship
Miss K Harris	Teacher of Citizenship
Mr C Milne	Teacher of Law and Religious Studies
Mr L Sealey	Teacher of Religious Studies
Mrs H Woollcott	Teacher of Citizenship

Our Curriculum Intent

Religious Studies is an important subject as it enables students to become tolerant and understanding of other people, in a multicultural, secular society students will interact with people of alternative faiths or none. Therefore, it is vital that our young people are equipped with the knowledge to enable them to conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates British Values of mutual respect and tolerance. Religious Studies makes a key and unique contribution to understanding British heritage, culture and values as students learn how to become respectful, knowledgeable and tolerance citizens. It also allows students to reflect upon ultimate questions and equip them with valuable skills such as debate and discussion in a safe and respectful environment that will help prepare them for life.

Citizenship is the only subject where students can learn about the world they live in, their role as citizens and they impact they can have. It can broaden the mind of children by allowing them to challenge topics they would never usually be able to; politics, social agenda and legal changes for example. Students learn about their own rights and responsibilities, what it means to live in Modern Britain and how to participate in a political climate. The subject allows them to learn about the Fundamental British Values and how they are embedded into our legal systems, culture and our attitudes. They will develop skills in debate and evaluating the effectiveness of those in charge.

Law, both common and by statute, legal principles and the Constitution is more important now than ever. The legal sector, with our ever increasing regulations and rules is expanding, and studying law at A-level gives pupils a firm first step on the path to employment in it. Law provides key skills for work across a wide array of professions, due to the analytical and methodical methods engaged throughout the course: Law A-level teaches students to critically assess and investigate information, and bring arguments to a logical and persuasive conclusion, which is vital to any university degree, and is an invaluable service to non-graduate and graduate employers alike.

What will students learn in Ethics?

Key Stage 3 - Citizenship

What will my child learn in Year 7?

Term 1	Fundamental British Values Students will learn about each of the British Values and how it is evident in modern Britain
Term 2	Fundamental British Values Students will learn about each of the British Values and how it is evident in modern Britain
Term 3	Being British Students will investigate what it means to be British
Term 4	Being British Students will investigate what it means to be British
Term 5	Rights at home and abroad Students will explore our rights and how they are protected in the UK as well as abroad with a consideration as to when we do not have the same rights abroad.
Term 6	Rights at home and abroad Students will explore our rights and how they are protected in the UK as well as abroad with a consideration as to when we do not have the same rights abroad.

What will my child learn in Year 8?

Term 1	Democracy and Parliament Students will investigate democracy as a form of government and how Parliament functions in the UK
Term 2	Democracy and Parliament Students will investigate democracy as a form of government and how Parliament functions in the UK.
Term 3	Crime and the Justice System Students will conduct an exploration into criminality in the UK, including a discussion around the current age of responsibility.
Term 4	Crime and the Justice System Students will conduct an exploration into criminality in the UK, including a discussion around the current age of responsibility.
Term 5	The UK and its Partners Students will be looking at the partners that the UK has, and how those partnerships may benefit or disadvantage us.
Term 6	The UK and its Partners Students will be looking at the partners that the UK has, and how those partnerships may benefit or disadvantage us.

What will my child learn in Year 9?

Term 1	Global Human Rights Students will be using case studies to explore and compare human rights issues around the world.
Term 2	Global Human Rights Students will be using case studies to explore and compare human rights issues around the world.
Term 3	Terrorism & Conflict Students will be comparing different terrorist events; moving through modern history to discover how the perception of terrorism has changed.
Term 4	Terrorism & Conflict Students will be comparing different terrorist events; moving through modern history to discover how the perception of terrorism has changed.
Term 5	Active Citizenship Project Students are to plan and actively take part in a project for a chosen cause.
Term 6	Active Citizenship Project Students are to plan and actively take part in a project for a chosen cause.

Key Stage 3 - Religious Studies

What will my child learn in Year 7?

Term 1	Religion This term students will explore different attitudes towards religion and faith. We will investigate who God is to different believers and define key ideas of theism and atheism.
Term 2	Jesus This term students will question why Jesus is so inspiring to some people, what would Jesus do and can we live by the values of Jesus in the twenty-first century.
Term 3	Forgiveness This term students will explore the nature of forgiveness, how a Christian uses their faith in order to help them to offer forgiveness to people who have harmed them. Real life case studies are used to demonstrate forgiveness.
Term 4	Miracles This term students review miracles from the gospels and reach a judgement about the validity of modern miracles.
Term 5	Sikhi This term students learn from and about the religion of Sikhism. Students will learn about the foundations of faith.
Term 6	Identity This term students will compare Sikhs to Khalsa Sikhs, questioning what does it mean to be a Sikh in Britain today. Students will consider to what extent teenage Sikhs are able to put down new roots without losing touch with their faith.

What will my child learn in Year 8?

Term 1	Buddhism This term students will learn from and about the religion of Buddhism. Students will learn about the foundations of the faith.
Term 2	Rules This term students consider what it means for a Buddhist to live their life according to the Eightfold Path and Four Noble Truths. Students will evaluate the purpose of rules and happiness.
Term 3	Islam This term students from about the religion of Islam. Students will learn about the foundations of the faith.
Term 4	Judgement This term students will consider what happens after we die. Does the soul live on beyond this world, are near death experiences proof of an afterlife? Students will evaluate the purpose of judgement in deciding what happens after death.
Term 5	Inclusion This term, students will explore diverse perspectives and cultivate empathy and mindfulness by delving into topics such as LGBTQAI+ awareness, combating stereotypes, addressing misogyny and understanding religious dress practices. We aim to foster an inclusive and accepting school community through these critical discussions.
Term 6	Equality This term, students will learn about key historical figures and how their faith has supported their work in promoting an inclusive and equal community and environment. Our goal during this term, is to promote an inclusive and welcoming school environment by engaging in these important conversations.

What will my child learn in Year 9?

Term 1	Morality This term students will determine right from wrong, learning about absolute and relative morality and applying these approaches to case studies.
Term 2	Sanctity of Life This term students will debate at when does life begin and discuss whether quality of life should be considered over the intrinsic value of human life.
Term 3	Evil and Suffering This term students will investigate the origins of evil and suffering, debate who is responsible for evil and suffering and evaluate God’s role as an omnipotent and benevolent being and why people continue to suffer.
Term 4	Prejudice This term students will define the terms prejudice and discrimination with a focus on the situation for African Americans in the Southern states of the USA, including Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King and Malcolm X.
Term 5	Judaism This term students will learn from and about the religion of Judaism. Students will learn about the foundations of the faith.
Term 6	Persecution This term students will learn about the persecution of the Jewish people in the holocaust. Students will learn about the Final Solution and consider how inhumane humanity can be.

Key Stage 4 - Citizenship

What will my child learn in Year 10?

Term 1	Life in Modern Britain Students will explore what it means to be British, the UKs role in international organisations.
Term 2	Life in Modern Britain Students will explore what it means to be British, the UKs role in international organisations.
Term 3	Politics and Participation Different systems of government, the function of government and parliament.
Term 4	Politics and Participation The role of an MP Running a political party
Term 5	Politics and participation The role of an MP Running a political party
Term 6	Politics and Participation The role of an MP Running a political party

What will my child learn in Year 11?

Term 1	Rights and Responsibilities Human rights in UK and abroad.
Term 2	Rights and Responsibilities How rights and responsibilities clash.
Term 3	Active Citizenship Investigation Investigation of an issue of your choice.
Term 4	Active Citizenship Investigation Advocacy for a chosen issue.
Term 5	Recap and revision
Term 6	Exams

Key Stage 4 - Religious Studies

What will my child learn in Year 10?

Term 1	Crime and Punishment In this module students will be able to explain contrasting beliefs on the following three issues with reference to Christianity and Islam.
Term 2	Crime and Punishment continued Christian Beliefs In this module students will be able to explain the beliefs and teaching for Christians. Students will learn key beliefs on the nature of God, creation, and the afterlife.
Term 3	Christian Beliefs In this module students will be able to explain the beliefs and teaching for Christians. Students will learn key beliefs relating to Jesus Christ and salvation.
Term 4	Religion and Life In this module students will be able to explain contrasting beliefs on the following three issues with reference to Christianity and Islam: Abortion Euthanasia Animal Experimentation
Term 5	Religion and Life continued Islamic Beliefs In this module students will be able to explain the beliefs and teaching for Muslims. Students will learn key beliefs on the nature of God, angels, predestination and Akhirah.
Term 6	Islamic Beliefs In this module students will be able to explain the beliefs and teachings of Muslims. Students will learn key beliefs on authority, such as Holy Books, Prophethood and Imamate.

What will my child learn in Year 11?

Term 1	Religion and Relationships In this module students will be able to explain contrasting beliefs on the following three issues with reference to Christianity and Islam: Contraception. Sexual relationships before marriage. Homosexual relationships.
Term 2	Peace and Conflict In this module students will be able to explain contrasting beliefs on the following three issues with reference to Christianity and Islam: Violence Weapons of Destruction Pacifism
Term 3	Christian Practices In this module students will be able to explain the different ways in which Christians worship and celebrate festivals and the role of the church worldwide and in the local community.
Term 4	Islamic Practices In this module students will be able to explain the different ways in which Muslims worship, the duties that Muslims are expected to undertake and the celebration of festivals.
Term 5	Recap and Revision
Term 6	Exams

Key Stage 5 - Law

What will my child learn in Year 12?

Term 1	Law Making and Delegated Legislation To be able to explain briefly how laws are made. To be able to explain the types of delegated legislation used in the UK (Bylaws, Statutory Instruments and Orders in Council), who makes them and why they are used. To explain the controls used for delegated legislation and the advantages and disadvantages of its use. To be able to explain the approaches to Statutory Interpretation in the court system (Literal rule, Golden Rule, Mischief Rule and Purposive Approach). To be able to explain the aids to interpretation including the rules of language and internal/external aids. To explain the advantages and disadvantages of each approach of interpretation and of each aid. To be able to explain the criminal courts and appeals systems. To be able to explain the role of a jury in a criminal trial including qualification and selection. To be able to explain the role of magistrates in the legal system, including training; appointment; selection and qualification. To be able to explain the advantages and disadvantages of lay people in the criminal justice system.
Term 2	Criminal Liability including Actus Reus, Mens Rea, Causation, Strict Liability To be able to explain the underlying principles of criminal liability including; Actus reus, Mens Rea, Causation, Strict Liability. To be able to explain how these apply to scenarios.
Term 3	Murder and Voluntary Manslaughter (Diminished Responsibility and Loss of Control), Criticisms of these areas To be able to explain the common law of murder and the statutory defences of diminished responsibility and loss of control. To be able to accurately identify these defences and apply them to a scenario in examination conditions. To be able to identify and explain areas of concern with these laws and how they are applied. Involuntary Manslaughter including Unlawful Act Manslaughter and Gross Negligence Manslaughter. Review and criticism of Non-Fatal offences, General Defences To be able to explain the law on unlawful and gross negligence manslaughter. To be able to correctly and accurately identify these offences in a problem scenario and to explain and apply the offence to the scenario in exam conditions. To be able to recall and explain the law on non-fatal offences and accurately apply to a scenario. To be able to write an extended piece explaining the problems with the law on non-fatal offences and how this should be addressed by Parliament
Term 4	Battery, S.47, S.20 and S.18 of the Offences Against the Person Act. To be able to explain the offences of assault, battery, s.47, s.20 and s.18 of the Offences Against the Person Act. To be able to apply these to scenarios, correctly identifying the offence, the actus reus and mens rea and the likely outcome. To be able to explain how a duty of care is owed, apply this to a scenario including the duty elements, breach of duty and causation. To be able to explain the underlying principles of civil liability. To be able to explain the criminal court structure and sentencing procedures including the factors courts will consider. General Defences, Criticisms of defences, Criticisms of Non-Fatal Offences To be able to explain and apply each of the general defences (Insanity, Self Defence, Automatism, Consent and Intoxication) and to correctly identify them in a scenario. To be able to accurately discuss the elements that need to be satisfied for a defence to be successful. To be able to explain the issues with the current law on two of these defences and non-fatal offences in an extended essay. Offences against property - Theft, Robbery, To be able to explain the elements of the offences of theft, robbery To correctly and accurately identify and explain each section and apply to a scenario, using case law to support your answer.
Term 5	Tort - Damage, Damages and Civil Court Systems. To be able to explain how to prove liability in tort and how to rectify a breach through compensation. To be able to explain the three track court systems and how cases are assigned. To be able to demonstrate understanding in examinations. Negligence, nuisance, occupier’s liability and vicarious liability
Term 6	Concepts of Law - Law and Morality, Law and Justice and Law and Fault Students will need to understand, explain and discuss in a one hour essay each of the concepts. For Law and Morality students will need to explain the distinction between law and morals; the diversity of moral views in a pluralist society; the relationship between law and morals and its importance and the legal enforcement of moral values. For Law and Justice Students will be able to explain the theories of justice, the extent to which substantive legal rules, legal institutions and processes achieve justice of create barriers to justice. For Law and Fault students will be able to explain the meaning of fault and its importance in civil and criminal law

What will my child learn in Year 13?

Term 1	The Theory of Tort law The theory of contract law, including consent, fault and sociology: especially how the economic theories of socialism, social contract, neo-conservatism and liberalism apply to the modern formulation of contract law.
Term 2	Students will study and learn the rules on offer and acceptance, the formation of contract, observing the rules on consideration and integration. Students will learn case law and attempt to apply such case law to modern cases, adapting archaic and ancient rules to fit with complex modern scenarios.
Term 3	Students will now delve deeper into contract law, and learn the meaning and categorisation of express terms, conditions, warranties and innominate, and their corresponding remedial outcomes. Students will discover more about the writing rule and the supremacy of written contract, and the application of term one rules to vocal only contracts.
Term 4	Students will learn about implied terms in consumer contracts, and remedial actions for breach of these terms. Case law will be studied to find out how courts apply such law to general acts. Students will also discover and recap on law and morality in a contract setting from year 12. Finally, students will learn about the discharge of contracts, by performance, breach and frustration (Act of God) and how to apply these to scenarios.
Term 5	Students will, without fail, be able to categorise and determine the outcome of contractual actions by observing how a court calculate damages and repudiatory awards, learning when common law and equitable remedies apply. Students will recap and recover lost ground to plug any gaps up to the exam period from work they have completed in the previous two years.
Term 6	Examination preparation and A-level qualification completion.

Key Stage 5 - Religious Studies

What will my child learn in Year 12?

Term 1 to 4	Philosophy of Religion Learners will study: Ancient philosophical influences The nature of the soul, mind and body Arguments about the existence or non-existence of God The nature and impact of religious experience The challenge for religious belief of the problem of evil Religion and ethics Learners will study: Normative ethical theories The application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance
Term 5 to 6	Developments in religious thought Learners will study: religious beliefs, values and teachings their interconnections and how they vary historically and in the contemporary world sources of religious wisdom and authority practices which shape and express religious identity, and how these vary within a tradition in the context of Christianity

Term
1 to 4

Philosophy of Religion

Learners will study:

Ancient philosophical influences
The nature of the soul, mind and body
Arguments about the existence or non-existence of God
The nature and impact of religious experience
The challenge for religious belief of the problem of evil

Religion and ethics

Learners will study:

Normative ethical theories
The application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance

Term
5 to 6

Developments in religious thought

Learners will study:

religious beliefs, values and teachings their interconnections and how they vary historically and in the contemporary world
sources of religious wisdom and authority
practices which shape and express religious identity, and how these vary within a tradition in the context of Christianity

What will my child learn in Year 13?

Term 1	Conversion. Visions. Free-will, libertarianism and determinism
Term 2	Free will, libertarianism and determinism (continued).
Term 3	Mysticism. Experience of ultimate reality. Virtue ethics.
Term 4	Foundation experiences. Influences of religious experience on believers in the past, and the present. Virtue ethics.
Term 5	Validity and verification. Consolidation of learning for the exam.
Term 6	Consolidation of A2-learning for the exam