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. Boys are assessed on their knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith, not on their beliefs or practice.

Key Stage 3

Boys in Years 7-9 follow a scheme of work based upon the nationally developed ‘People of God’ framework, which is mapped against the Religious Education Curriculum Directory for Catholic Schools in England and Wales. This programme allows students to study the foundations of the faith and they also undertake a study of different world Religions. In their 1st Year boys study a module on Sikhism, and enjoy a half-day visit to a local Gurdwara. In Year 8 boys study Islam, and enjoy a visit to Altrincham Mosque.  In Year 9 boys study Judaism beliefs and teachings and enjoy a visit to a local Synagogue.

The life of Blessed Edmund Rice and his legacy are explored in an induction unit in year 7 to give an understanding of the College’s unique ethos and spirit, underpinned by the Eight Essentials of an Edmund Rice Education.   All Year 7 boys also attend a retreat during their first half-term, as part of their induction and spiritual formation.

In year 8 boys explore a unit focused on ‘How is God revealed through suffering?’.  They evaluate key Christian responses to suffering and the duty of Christians in responding to suffering.

In year 9 students undertake a study of Mark’s Gospel and explore the themes of discipleship and the kingdom of God within the Gospel.

The KS3 programme is assessed through extended written assessments which are structured to develop student’s evaluation skills and encourage them to think critically.

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

-              Church and Kingdom of God

-              Eschatology

-              Triune God and Mission

-              Theme A: Religion, relationships, and family

-              Theme C: Religion, human rights, and social justice.

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

KEY STAGE 5

Advanced Level

Religious Studies A Level is a popular option at Sixth Form. Students follow the Edexcel specification, which includes the study of three modules

1. 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.
2.  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.
3. 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.

General RE

All 6^th form students take part in a weekly General RE programme, examining the social teaching of the Church. This course is relevant and engaging and allows students to gain an insight into a range of social, ethical, and religious issues.