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Ulverston Victoria High School

Ulverston Victoria
High School

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Y8 Belief Philosophy Ethics


Head of Department
Mr M Peake
 

Organisation of the subject:

Pupils have 1 x 50minute lesson per week.

Key Concepts (The big ideas underpinning the subject)

  • To explore the world of belief and religious life through the study of, and reflection on, stimulating philosophical and ethical issues.
  • To be able to offer personal responses and informed insights on a range of topical issues.
  • To understand the key ideas and thinkers who have shaped the different views of the world.
  • To use informed analysis and evaluation of a range of ideas and opinions to form a coherent personal view.

What will your child be learning? 

  • Chinese religions and philosophy. Confucianism, Taoism and Ch’an Buddhism.
  • Hinduism and the formation of Hindu society.
  • Moral philosophy and ethics. Utilitarianism and moral absolutes.

Key 'Learning Capacities' in this subject 

  • To develop enquiring minds.
  • To develop critical thinking.
  • To develop the ability to respond to a range of philosophical and ethical issues through the development of analytical skills.
  • To develop the ability to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of competing arguments and arrive at a justified personal view.

How will your child be learning? 

  • Paired and group work
  • Whole class discussions
  • Philosophical enquiry
  • Teacher-lead discussions and analysis
  • Factual presentations
  • Student-lead research

How will learning be assessed? 

  • Monitoring homework and classwork.
  • One assessment per term that assesses key philosophical skills: Knowledge, use of philosophical concepts such as analysis and evaluation, academic structure, critical thinking and how to form a considered personal opinion.

What can you do to support your child? 

  • Encourage your child to take an active interest in current affairs
  • Support homework through research and encourage pupils to look in a variety of places

Equipment needed for this subject 

  • Pens, pencils, ruler, highlighters, coloured pencils.

Extra-Curricular/Enrichment Opportunities 

  • Religious Studies trip to Manchester

Governor Link - Mr Jeremy Tennyson