Theology & Religious Education

 Parents who entrust the education of their sons to Saint Ambrose College have the right to expect a rigorous, challenging, and authentic Religious Education. Education of students in Catholic belief and practice is a core of the College’s curriculum. The term Theology, defined as “Faith seeking understanding” most accurately describes the work of the faculty. Boys are encouraged to acquire a deeper knowledge and understanding of their faith, and to consider the impact of their faith in guiding their values and decisions. Parents of boys of other traditions or faiths can be sure that the integrity of their son’s conscience will be respected. 

At Key Stage 3, students follow a programme which is based on the R.E curriculum directory for Catholic schools, ‘to know you more clearly.’ This programme is designed to give students a rich and authentic understanding of the Catholic faith. Students will explore the faith through four different lenses- believe, hear, celebrate and live. The names of these four lenses reflect the language of the Catechism of the Catholic Church which states that the mystery of faith which we hear and receive requires us to ‘believe in it’, to ‘celebrate it’ and to ‘live from it’ (CCC 2558).
As part of this programme, students also have the opportunity to encounter other faiths including Sikhism, Islam, and Judaism. In year 7, students study a module on Sikhism, and enjoy a half-day visit to a local Gurdwara. In Year 8 students study Islam, and enjoy a visit to Altrincham Mosque.  In Year 9 students study Judaism beliefs and teachings and enjoy a visit to a local Synagogue.

In Year 7, students study the theological foundations that are the basis for understanding Catholicism. The focus of Year 7 is ‘God’s revelation’ and the way in which this has gradually unfolded throughout salvation history. 

In Year 8, students will consider some of the existential questions which lie at the heart of the human condition and reflect both on the meaning of suffering and the meaning of death. 

In Year 9, students explore the mystery of the human person. This will include an exploration of what it means for humans to be created, ‘imago dei’, issues of equality, and the Catholic teaching on relationships. 

Key stage 4

Religious Studies is a core subject taken by all boys at GCSE.  We study the AQA B specification. This course allows students to undertake an in-depth study of the beliefs and practices of Catholic Christianity and Judaism as well as a study of Christian ethics.

Students will study the following modules for GCSE RE
-              Judaism beliefs and practices
-              Creation
-              Incarnation
-              Redemption
-             Theme A: Religion, relationships, and family
-              Church and Kingdom of God
-              Theme C: Religion, human rights, and social justice.
-              Eschatology
-              Triune God and Mission

 Our GCSE results are consistently outstanding, indicating the commitment and enthusiasm with which boys approach the subject.

KEY STAGE 5 - A Level

Religious Studies A Level is a popular option at Sixth Form. Students follow the Edexcel specification, which includes the study of three modules
Philosophy of Religion: This unit allows students to explore some of the main contemporary philosophical issues and questions about religion, such as belief in God or the conviction that life has both value and a purpose. It provides a relevant and challenging context for exploring the particular beliefs, values and practices that characterise religious communities. In turn, it provides a sound basis for understanding and reflecting on the contemporary influence of religion, the views of those who reject religious belief and the impact of these factors on people’s lives.
 Religious and ethics: This paper explores both the common ground and controversy in dealing with issues that arise in the areas of morality and religion in the context of the modern world. Students will study issues such as equality, war and peace and sexual ethics. A variety of different ethical stances will provide the basis for discussion and debate about major issues. This is further sharpened by engagement with the views and stances of significant ethical thinkers who have contributed to the debates.
New Testament Studies: This paper allows students to study a number of specific gospel texts, as well as the scholarly and critical methods used today to study the New Testament. There is a focus on the Gospel teaching and how the first Christians understood the New Testament and how they expressed and interpreted the relationship between Jesus and God.

This is a thought-provoking course which allows students to explore the ‘big questions’ and develops their ability to think critically.

CORE RE

All 6th form students take part in a weekly Core RE programme.  This programme allows them to consider and explore Catholic theology, examine the social teaching of the Church, and consider ethical questions that arise in modern society. This course is relevant and engaging and allows students to gain an insight into a range of social, ethical, and religious issues.
Big Questions include:
-    Does all human life have value?
-    What is truth?
-    Can all Religions have access to the truth?
-    What is true happiness?
-    The Catholic Church in the modern world
-    Is war ever morally permissible?
-    Catholic social teaching: How do we fulfil Jesus’ command to love one another in the modern world?