“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10: 10. The RE Department at St John’s Catholic Comprehensive School aims to prepare every pupil to gain a deeper understanding of their life’s purpose. The department endeavours to teach lessons, which are faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church and her divine founder, Jesus Christ. Pupils also study a variety of philosophical issues and non-religious viewpoints. Pupils are provided with lots of opportunities to discuss their ideas. In the spirit of St. John the evangelist “the most beloved disciple of Jesus”, we aim to do this in a way, which is engaging, enriching, challenging and joyful. The RE Department encourages pupils to make full use of the sacraments of the Church, not least during their daily life in the school. Pupils are provided with various opportunities by the Chaplaincy team and RE department throughout the year to respond to their own calling and nurture their faith through events such as prayer week, retreats and whole school mass.

Year 7 

Term 1 - Who is God? 1. Scripture - the Bible, 2. Trinity. 3. St. John 4. Religious art 5. Creation – Hindu Creation story 6. Introduction to Philosophy 

Term 2 - Who is Jesus? 1. Miracles – Signs of the Kingdom 2. Parables of the Kingdom 3. Advent 4. Christmas 

Term 3 - Judaism 1. Moses 2. The Passover meal 3. The 10 Commandments 4. The Torah 5. The Sabbath 6. Jewish marriage 7. The Synagogue 

Term 4 - Challenges of living the Kingdom of God 1. Sacrifice 2. Martyrdom 3. St. Maximilian Kolbe 4. Mother Teresa

Term 5 - Who are we? 1. What are signs and symbols? 2. What are Sacraments? 3. The Seven Sacraments 4. Infant Baptism.

Term 6 - Study of Religions – Buddhism 1. Introduction to Buddhism 2. Who was Gotama Buddha? 3. What did the Buddha teach? 4. Buddhist practices – meditation.

Assessment

Students complete a written assessment at the end of each unit of study during each half term, usually every 6 weeks. Assessments reflect the skills required in GCSE examinations and incorporate key skills such as - enquire, apply, analyse and evaluate.

Year 8 

Term 1 - 1. Creation, 2. Stewardship 3. The Fall, 4. Problem of Evil – moral evil 5. Problem of Evil – natural evil 

Term 2 - 1. Salvation 2. Forgiveness 3. Incarnation 4. Advent 5. Christmas 

Term 3 - 1. Human Rights 2. Social teachings of the Catholic Church 3. Speaking up for Justice 4. The Prophets 

Term 4 - 1. Who is the Historical Jesus? 2. Holy week 3. Atonement – Putting things right 4. Sacrifice – A price to be paid

Term 5 - 1. Eucharist 2. Study of Religions – Islam 3. Muslims’ Pilgrimage - the Hajj 4. Christian Pilgrimage – Lourdes, Walsingham, Rome 5. Jerusalem - Stations of the Cross

Term 6 - 1. A new hope - the Messiah 2. Commands for living: attitudes and actions 3. Faith in Action – (CAFOD) 4. Study of Religions – Sikhism 5. Introduction to Sikhism 6. The 10 Gurus 7. The 5 K’s 8. Sikh Artefacts

Assessment

Students complete a written assessment at the end of each unit of study during each half term, usually every 6 weeks. Pupils are also assessed in-class assessments and homework assignments. Assessments reflect the skills required in GCSE examinations and incorporate key skills such as - enquire, apply, analyse and evaluate.

What will I gain from studying RE? 

Religious education is increasingly important for all members of our modern  multicultural society. It develops skills such as group and individual work, tolerance, enquiry, discussion and debate whilst understanding the issues that face society today. Students will study a variety of topics that ultimately provide links to other subjects such as Science, English, Geography and History. As students progress through Key Stage 3, they will develop knowledge and a deeper understanding of the impact of religion on society (learning about religion and learning from religion). Through this, they will develop verbal communication and literacy skills that will enable them to describe, analyse and comment on local and global challenges and changes in the wider world. The subject transcends cultural boundaries and its importance is universally recognised.

Pathways this course can lead to 

All pupils do progress to study GCSE RE in Key Stage 4. Qualifications in Religious Education can open doors to a multitude of academic and career options later in life including: Journalism, social work, community work, politics, teaching and the church. It is a highly desirable qualification to present to an employer as it demonstrates skills and aptitudes that are necessary in the workplace.

Extra curricular opportunities: 

Religious Education club, carol service, prayer week, annual retreats to St. John’s Seminary Wornesh (Year 9), Canterbury Cathedral (Year 8) and Aylesford Priory (Year 7); Assembly Squad (presentations to feeder primary schools) and spiritual leadership scheme i.e. involvement in the spiritual life of our school.