KS3 Ethics aims to introduce students to some aspects of Abrahamic and Dharmic religions alongside developing an understanding of Human Rights and some Ethical Issues. This will be assessed throughout the year through 5 a day questions (Low stake testing) , questioning and formal assessments at the end of each cycle. As the curriculum develops year by year prior topics are built upon increasing substantive knowledge and reflective knowledge. By the end of this Key stage students in addition to having a broad understanding will develop skills or persuasive writing, empathy, analysis and recall.
At KS4 students begin to complete AQA’s Religious Studies GCSE, each year focusing on four modules of study. These are typically two thematic and two religious. Prior knowledge is built upon throughout them developing both prior ethical and religious knowledge. There are around 8 assessment points for formal assessment in the year and in addition a PPE exam. Student progress is also aided and checked through consolidation lessons every other week, where students reflect on prior learning and then apply their study to a GCSE practice question. This aims to develop long term memory. In addition students will gain critical thinking skills, empathy, persuasive writing and an ability to show they have learned from and about the various concepts.
By the end of students time in Ethics at PCSA we would hope they have gained a breadth of knowledge and some philosophical understanding of key religions and the world around them.