Ethics and Philosophy
Ethics and Philosophy
The Ethics and Philosophy curriculum is aspirational because we use a variety of teaching methods to allow students to explore various key questions allowing pupils to gain an appreciation of different viewpoints and an acceptance of these. Students are given the opportunity to work both independently and as part of a group to deepen their knowledge of the curriculum. Students of all abilities will be challenged and inspired, whilst developing valuable skills sought after by higher education and employers, such as the ability to construct an argument and explain their opinion. Students are encouraged to aspire to be the best they can be. As a Church of England Academy, all students study Ethics and Philosophy at KS3 and GCSE during their time at Manshead CE Academy, with the option to continue to A Level if they choose to.
The Ethics and Philosophy curriculum serves our students as they are supported in developing acceptance and respect of those who are of a different faith and cultural background within the community. Students across all key stages will be able to reflect on and develop their own values, beliefs and attitudes in light of what they have learnt. Within the department we study a range of relevant and contemporary themes that will promote awareness of modern-world issues and engagement, underpinned by key Christian beliefs and values. This helps to prepare and support our students when they leave school and embark on courses and careers in the multi-cultural society in which they live.
The Ethics and Philosophy curriculum allows our students to flourish as the knowledge gained by our students throughout their time at Manshead CE Academy will give them the wisdom to leave with a solid grounding of different faiths. This will enable them to understand people from different cultures and backgrounds who they will encounter whatever path they choose to take. The department delivers a broad and balanced curriculum to allow students to develop their own beliefs whilst investigating the beliefs of others. For students with special educational needs, staff follow the guidance provided by the SEND department to meet the students’ needs and allow them to progress and flourish as they continue through the school. All of Year 7, through collective worship, receive a presentation by Good News for Everyone and are given the opportunity to accept a copy of the New Testament and Psalms as a gift.
Sequencing in Ethics and Philosophy
The Ethics and Philosophy curriculum at Manshead CE Academy is planned to ensure progression and depth. Students build on their knowledge and skills from KS3 to KS4 to KS5. At KS3 we follow modules from the Bedfordshire Agreed Syllabus and at KS4 and KS5, we follow schemes of work from AQA. The Ethics and Philosophy department regularly review all sequences of learning to ensure learners of all abilities can thrive and flourish.
Adaptive Teaching in Ethics and Philosophy
Our approach to teaching in the department enables all students with special educational needs to access all lessons. All staff spend time ensuring they are aware of the students they teach with additional needs and follow the guidance provided by the SEND department to meet the needs and allow them to achieve and flourish as they continue through the school. Lessons are designed to be engaging for all students allowing them to achieve in Ethics and Philosophy. Students are regularly assessed, and staff are then able to adapt future lessons to ensure there are no gaps in knowledge and students can continue to flourish.
Spirituality in Ethics and Philosophy
Or curriculum enables students to experience wonder and joy through learning about and from stories, celebrations, rituals and different expressions of religions and worldviews. This process allows students to build respect, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the role of faith and ethics in shaping individual and societal actions. Through Ethics and Philosophy students are given the opportunity to explore the fundamental questions of existence, morality, and human purpose. They are guided to reflect on their own values while engaging with the beliefs and perspectives of others through a study of the world faiths alongside Christianity. Through Ethics and Philosophy students are given the time to self-reflect on what it means to be human and to build on their self-respect alongside developing their respect of others. Students are given opportunities to explore questions on the meaning and purpose of life and draw on personal experiences as a part of this.
Learning Beyond the Classroom in Ethics and Philosophy
Our curriculum is enriched by encouraging students to aspire to achieve using additional resources available to the such as Seneca and BBC Bitesize. BBC Bitesize Religious Education contains many interactive resources for both KS3 and GCSE which students can access to further their knowledge and understanding. Students are provided with knowledge organisers and graphic organisers to support their learning and allow them to flourish. Students are exposed to current moral issues allowing them to develop their own views and opinions as well as engage with those of their peers. Year 7 receive a visit from Good News for All during collective worship and are given the opportunity to take a copy of the New Testament and Psalms if they wish.
Ethics and Philosophy Curriculum Overview
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Autumn 1 |
Autumn 2 |
Spring 1 |
Spring 2 |
Summer 1 |
Summer 2 |
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Year 7 |
Islam in the 21st century |
Islam in the 21st century |
The importance of Jesus in the 21st Century |
The importance of Jesus in the 21st Century |
Sikhism in the 21st Century |
Sikhism in the 21st Century |
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Year 8 |
What makes a person inspirational to others? |
What makes a person inspirational to others? |
What do people believe about God and the Universe? |
Should Christians be greener than everyone else? |
Why is there suffering in the world? What do we do when life gets hard? Buddhism |
Why is there suffering in the world? What do we do when life gets hard? |
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Year 9 |
How do Christians and Muslims respond to God? |
What difference does it make to be an atheist or agnostic in Britain today? |
What will make our community a more respectful place? |
How do Christians and Muslims respond to God? |
Value of human life |
GCSE Crime and Punishment |
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Year 10 AQA Religious Studies A 8062 |
Christian Beliefs and Practices
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Christian Beliefs and Practices
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Peace and Conflict |
Peace and Conflict / Revision for mocks |
Relationships |
Islamic Beliefs |
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Year 11 AQA Religious Studies A 8062 |
Islamic Practices
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Islamic Practices Revision for Mocks |
Religion and Life
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Revision for GCSE examinations |
Revision for GCSE examinations |
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Year 12 AQA Religious Studies 7062
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Natural Moral Law, Situation Ethics (E) Arguments for the existence of God (P) |
Virtue Ethics Application to theft and lying (E) Problem of Evil (P) |
Sources of Wisdom and Authority (C) God in Theology (C) |
Expressions of Religious Identity (C) Religious Experience (P) |
Application of ethical theories (E) Life after Death (C) |
Good Conduct and Key Moral Principles (C) Life after Death (C) |
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Year 13 AQA Religious Studies 7062 |
Conscience, Meta-Ethics (E) Self, death and afterlife (P) |
Free Will (E) Christianity and Secularisation Religion & Science (C) |
Bentham and Kant (E) Christianity and Pluralism (C) Religious Language (P) |
Christianity and Pluralism, Gender & Sexuality (C) Dialogues |
Dialogues and Revision for A Level examinations |
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