KS3 Core

The Core at HNS

KS3 “The Core” curriculum explores some of the worlds biggest philosophical questions. Students taking “The Core” are encouraged to develop their critical enquiry skills through the examination of key questions concerning science, history, religion and social issues. It is delivered through a variety of interactive, engaging lessons which will are primarily student led. Students are encouraged to question, consider and reflect on their own beliefs and those of others through debate and discussion accompanied with written tasks and project based learning assessments. Lessons encourage independent thought and debate with the aim of encouraging students to listen to each other and develop their own informed opinion through the exploration of philosophical theories and ideas.

Topics throughout KS3 build student knowledge so that pupils are equipped with the knowledge and skills to commence Religion and Ethics at GCSE. Cross-curricular links with Citizenship, Religion and PHSE are made with the study of human rights and contemporary modern issues.

Students taking GCSE Religious studies will work under the AQA Religious Studies B specification. This includes topics such as:

  • The existence of God
  • The problems of evil and suffering
  • Science and religion
  • Animal rights
  • Planet earth
  • World Poverty
  • Attitudes to Crime and Punishment
  • Attitudes to matter of life including genetic engineering and euthanasia

Year 7

Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term

Introduction to Philosophical Thinking

  • Socratic Method

Morality

  • Concept of good
  • Moral Dilemmas

Meaning of life

  • How did we get here?
  • How was the earth created?
  • Science Vs Religion
  • Creationism
  • Big Bang

Democracy and Politics

  • General Election
  • Parliament
  • Role of a MP
  • How are Laws Made

Rights and Responsibilities

  • What are human rights?
  • What is prejudice and discrimination?
  • How are human rights restricted?
  • How does human rights affect the world?

Governance and Justice

  • How should we live?
  • What is the purpose of government?
  • Can society truly be free?

Animal Rights

  • Do animals have rights?
  • Should we treat all animals the same?

Summer Examinations

  • Revision of all topics leading up to the summer examination/report

Year 8

Autumn Term

Spring Term

Summer Term

Introduction to Philosophical Thinking

  • Socratic Method

    • Morality

    • Concept of good
    • Morality systems

Religion, Science and the Existence of God

  • Arguments for and against the existence
    of God

  • Religious truth Vs Scientific truths

  • Religious Experiences

Democracy and Politics

  • Parliament
  • Role of a MP
  • Hung Parliament

  • Coalition Government
  • Is Britain a democracy?

Crime and Punishment

  • Capital Punishment

  • Why do people commit Crime?
  • Can crime ever be justified?
  • What is the purpose
    of prison?
  • Rehabilitation

Freedom and Equality

  • What is equality?
  • What does it mean
    to be equal?
  • Capitalism or Socialism?
  • Communism in action

World Poverty

  • What is poverty?
  • Can poverty be
    wiped out?

Summer Examinations

  • Revision of all topics leading up to the summer examination

Year 9

Autumn Term

Spring Term

Summer Term

Religion, War and Peace

  • Why do people go
    to war?
  • Consequences of War
  • Pacifism
  • Religion and War
  • Can we keep Peace?
  • Can war ever be justified?

Contemporary Moral Issues

  • What is death?
  • Is death the end or a new beginning?
  • Should we be able to take a life?
  • The euthanasia debate

Contemporary Moral Issues

  • When does life begin?
  • Quality of life
  • Abortion and the law
  • Whose rights?
  • Attitudes towards abortion

Prejudice and Equality

  • What is prejudice?
  • Types of prejudice
  • Effects of prejudice
  • Why are some people prejudiced?
  • Are tolerance and harmony impossible in society today?

Planet Earth

  • Effects of modern lifestyles
  • Who is responsible for pollution?
  • Climate Change
  • Attitudes towards caring for Planet Earth

Summer Examinations

  • Revision of all 5 topics leading up to the summer examination