Religious Studies

INTRODUCTION

Religious education (RE) and Citizenship (CITZ) are statutory, but non-examined, subjects that are taught together at City Academy Norwich.

The RE/CITZ curriculum at City Academy Norwich equips students for life beyond school, through critically engaging with religious scripture in the context of the social, political and cultural issues in today’s world. Through our core RE and citizenship provision, we want to develop empathetic, religiously literate, well-rounded individuals who are responsible global citizens who are empowered to be the gamechangers in today’s world. Students will develop a respect for others and have the opportunity to reflect upon their own beliefs. The engaging curriculum provides an opportunity for students to grow socially, spiritually, morally and culturally.

KS3

All pupils undertake one lesson per week of RE/CITZ.

In KS3 students begin by asking ‘What is a religion?’ and then will then go on to study two of the world’s major religions in year’s 7 and 8: Christianity and Judaism. They will also learn about issues surrounding Prejudice and discrimination and investigate the role of the Media in modern society. Students will also investigate game changing ‘heroes’ such as Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa, Greta Thunberg and Marcus Rashford.   

KS4

All pupils undertake one lesson per week of compulsory RE/CITZ.

In KS4 students will continue to study Christianity in more depth – in particular investigating concepts of Anglicanism and Catholicism. The will also study another of the world’s important religions, Sikhism, in depth and investigate the philosophical question regarding the existence of God. Students will also study the issues surrounding some of the world’s biggest political issues such as peace and conflict and Crime and Punishment. On a personal scale, students will undertake a unit on the ‘Value of Money’, Political Literacy and a Social Action project in order to ensure the receive a truly holistic social education before they leave at the end of Year 11.

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Getting students to take an active interest in the themes that are taught in RE/CITZ helps them understand the world they live in locally, nationally and globally. It also develops empathy with the issues people face. Encouraging students to participate in local community activities such as volunteering work can really help them become engaged and valued citizens of the world.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES LINKED TO THIS SUBJECT

RE/CITZ are totally different subjects from any other in the curriculum. They can prepare students for any job that involves working with people. RE in particular is becoming much more popular as the need for religious tolerance and understanding in our society grows.

Many students who are enthralled by RE/CITZ go on to careers in teaching, counselling, social work, the Armed Forces, the Prison Service, medicine and health, and the Civil Service. Indeed, there is no job or career that RE/CITZ is not relevant to.