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Religious Studies

Invicta students will explore the human condition through philosophical and religious beliefs and practices. This will provide them with information about the ways that different religious and non-religious beliefs impact the way people think and behave in the modern world.

Students are encouraged to build knowledge and understanding concerning religious and non-religious beliefs and integrate these with an acceptance of individual difference and respect for others. These concepts form the basis of how students will interact in societal situations relating to religious and non-religious issues. It is important to us that each student is able to build a holistic understanding that reflects the global and historical complexities that involve both religious and non-religious aspects, whilst recognising that both communities share a common concept, the pursuit of a ‘good life’.

https://www.truetube.co.uk/film/my-future-my-career-my-re?tab=film

Key Stage 3

During Key Stage 3 students pursue a curriculum that will lead to them becoming well informed and inquisitive with tolerant, enquiring and compassionate attitudes to others and their beliefs and values. The curriculum aims are closely linked to Fundamental British Values and this course is designed to reinforce these values throughout the Key Stage.

Students arrive at Key Stage 3 RS at Invicta from a variety of backgrounds and with very different knowledge bases. To address these differences requires a pedagogical approach which allows students a degree of autonomy, to fill in gaps or to move ahead without waiting for others. The need for independence and the desire to broaden the experience of our students underpin our curriculum design.

A further key consideration is the need for sensitivity in delivery and content. Many students arrive at Key Stage 3 with their own religious or non-religious beliefs. Sometimes these are held very strongly. The curriculum is designed to be explorative and openly inquisitive to encourage appreciation and excitement around diversity in belief and to model positive conversations about differing beliefs and values. Students are encouraged every lesson to verbalise their thoughts and develop sensitivity and respect in their own delivery and content.

At Key Stage 3, students are taught in tutor groups and the subject is compulsory for all students. RS at this level needs to do several things at once: impart and secure knowledge, develop a spirit of enquiry, foster empathy and humanise content for student to relate to and apply to the UK today. To do this, the curriculum is designed around three skill areas: Knowledge, Understanding and Evaluation.

Topics Covered

 

Autumn:
Terms 1 & 2

Spring:
Terms 3 & 4

Summer:
Terms 5 & 6

Year 7

Hinduism

Buddhism

Sikhism

Year 8

 Islam

Ethics & Morality

Christianity

Timetable

Over a fortnightly timetable students receive:

  • 2 hours of guided classroom learning
  • 2 x 30 minutes of guided independent homework

Enrichment and Extra Curricular

To Read

The following link is updated regularly with books based on religious principles from a variety of religions and is worth a look to get new ideas: https://www.waterstones.com/category/childrens-teenage/education/religious-studies

Picture 1RS KS3 2RS KS3 3RS KS3 4RS KS3 5

Library – If you go to your local library you can speak with the Librarian and ask about specific books on religion, this can vary from factual books to fictional material.

Hinduism:

Overview of the religion including quizzes to test your knowledge https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hinduism

Links to articles on Hinduism: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z73d7ty

Buddhism:

Links to articles on Buddhism: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/znkxpv4

Sikhism:

Key facts about Sikhism: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zyqnvcw/articles/znpq47h

Festivals, Celebrations and Traditions:

https://www.reonline.org.uk/festival-calendar/?filters=%7B%22october%22%3A%7B%22term_id%22%3A%2258%22%2C%22taxonomy%22%3A%22months%22%7D%7D

Ethics & Morality:

Reading and videos on Ethics, Morality and philosophy: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zkdk382

Islam:

Key Facts about Islam: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zfwhfg8/articles/znhjcqt
Current events and religion: https://theday.co.uk/subjects/religious-studies

To Watch

What is Religious Studies?

A short introduction to what Religious Studies is about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNYXggkugP8

Hinduism:

What is Hinduism? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlBEEuYIWwY

Buddhism:

What is Buddhism?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNdgT6VCuu0

Sikhism:

What is Sikhism? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-1UAORcX4c

Festivals, Celebrations and Traditions:

Best festivals in the world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l3WiwugNFE

Have a look at the following page and see what festivals you are interested in knowing more about: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=religious+festivals+and+celebrations

Ethics & Morality:

Ethics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPsoFhUDLuU
Morality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PfktWw63PQ
Moral dilemmas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LsiVOfZ-OY

Islam:

What is Islam? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlvEymU-S4o

Films (U, PG, 12):

Blue Miracle (PG) – To save their cash-strapped orphanage, a guardian and his kids partner with a washed-up boat captain for a chance to win a lucrative fishing competition.

Overcomer (PG) – When a reluctant basketball coach has to lead the cross-country team, he learns his only runner has a history that will challenge both their beliefs.

Islands of Faith (U) – Through the lens of faiths and cultures in seven provinces in Indonesia, this documentary follows individuals who strive to address climate change.

Nothing to Lose (PG) – This biographical drama traces the rise to fame of controversial Brazilian evangelical leader and business titan Edir Macedo.

To Listen

Hinduism:

BBC In Our Time, Hindu Ideas of Creation: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b03k289f

Buddhism:

BBC In Our Time, The Buddha: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p00548br

Sikhism:

Sikhism explained (no video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jar64L17Zr4

Christianity:

Christianity for beginners: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/n5jcy-4a9c5/Christianity-for-Beginners-Podcast

Ethics & Morality:

Multiple podcasts/videos on morals, ethics and philosophy: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zkdk382

Islam:

Multiple podcasts on various elements of the Islamic faith: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p03qtyhx

To Research

Hinduism:

Neasden Mandir – Popularly known as the 'Neasden Temple’, the Mandir is a traditional place of Hindu worship designed and constructed entirely according to ancient Vedic architectural texts – using no structural steel whatsoever. https://londonmandir.baps.org

Buddhism:

The Eightfold Path are the eight rues the Buddha taught to help us think and act in a way that will keep our lives in balance. They are divided into three parts (wisdom, morality and meditation). Have a good on this link and see if you can find out how the eight are split into three, and what they mean. https://tricycle.org/magazine/noble-eightfold-path/

Sikhism:

The five K’s are a set of artefacts very important to Sikhism. Spend some time researching them to find out what they are and why they are significant to Sikhs.

Festivals and Celebrations:

Pick a festival or religious celebration of your choice and spend some time researching it and create a piece of work (e.g. poster, mind-map, fact sheet) on it, what are the traditions, how is it celebrated, how is it culturally based? https://www.reonline.org.uk/festival-calendar/?filters=%7B%22october%22%3A%7B%22term_id%22%3A%2258%22%2C%22taxonomy%22%3A%22months%22%7D%7D

Ethics & Morality:

Can you think of some moral dilemmas of your own? Have a look at the following questions and pick a couple. See if you can answer them from your own perspective and then research how different religions would answer them.

What would you do if :

  • you saw another person cheating off of your test paper?
  • your friends starting making fun of someone?
  • your best friend was wearing something ugly and asked how she looked?
  • someone put on a movie that you know isn’t good for you to watch?
  • you saw a friend shoplifting?
  • your friend was being abused in a dating relationship or by their parent but they asked you not to tell?
  • someone offered you the answer key to a test you have to take?
  • you knew you could get someone you really don’t like into trouble by telling a lie about that person?
  • you found a $20 bill on the hallway floor at school?
  • your friend asked you to lie about something so they didn’t caught?

Islam:

Have you heard of The Five Pillars? Spend some time researching them and create a poster to tell others what they are and their significance. https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/practices/fivepillars.shtml


To Visit

Hinduism:

Neasden Mandir, London – Popularly known as the 'Neasden Temple’, the Mandir is a traditional place of Hindu worship designed and constructed entirely according to ancient Vedic architectural texts – using no structural steel whatsoever. https://londonmandir.baps.org

Buddhism:

The London Buddhist Centre https://londonbuddhistcentre.com/about-the-lbc/

Sikhism:

Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, Gravesend https://www.gurunanakdarbar.org

Christianity:

There are many Christian churches and cathedrals throughout the UK, however these listed below are of particular interest and many have tours.
Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury – Mother church of the worldwide Anglican Communion: https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org
St Paul’s Cathedral, London: https://www.stpauls.co.uk
Rochester Cathedral, Medway: https://www.inspirock.com/united-kingdom/rochester/rochester-cathedral-a911316629
St Martin’s Church, Canterbury – first church founded in the UK: https://www.inspirock.com/united-kingdom/canterbury/st-martins-church-a58185201

Islam:

London central Mosque & The Islamic Cultural Centre: http://www.iccuk.org/page.php?section=education&page=visits

Year 9 - Foundation Year

During the Foundation Year, the skills developed during Key Stage 3 (gaining knowledge; developing understanding; analysing and evaluating), are developed further to embrace students’ ability to research deeper into tasks and respond more maturely to information they receive.

The Foundation Year moves onto a wider range of concepts based around religious and non-religious teachings. Students begin the year with a deep dive into the ways in which philosophers developed their concepts and how ethics and morality have been, and continue to be cultivated.

Knowledge acquired during Key Stage 3 is then furthered as students continue to deepen their understanding and evaluate concepts within Christianity and Islam by looking at the core beliefs and teachings and how these affect the festivals they celebrate, why they are celebrated and the relevance of the festivals to the faith in question. Students are given ample opportunity to enrich their knowledge base, improve their understanding and improve evaluation techniques as the year progresses.

Students should practice thinking analytically and forming opinions. They should be aware of current affairs and events in the news and around the world, linking what they have learned in class to issues in the world today.

Topics Covered

Autumn
Terms 1 & 2

 Spring
Terms 3 & 4		 Summer
Terms 5 & 6
Philosophical & Ethical Issues Christian Ideology Islam Ideology

Timetable

Over a fortnightly timetable, students receive:

  • 4 hours of guided classroom learning
  • 2 hours of guided independent homework

Enrichment and Extra Curricular

To Read

The following link is updated regularly with books based on religious principles from a variety of religions and is worth a look to get new ideas: https://bookriot.com/novels-religion/

To Watch

To Listen

To Research

Philosophy:

Spend some time researching Plato, Aristotle and Descartes – who they were and what their philosophical concepts were and create a mind-map/posters of their beliefs and how they saw the world.

Islam:
Make a fact sheet of Islamic core beliefs and traditions https://www.reonline.org.uk/knowledge/muslim-worldview-traditions/?page_id=371

Christianity:

The holy text of Christianity is the Bible. Spend some time researching the following questions and build a little fact file on the Bible:

  • What is the Bible?
  • How many testaments are there in the Bible?
  • How many books are there in the New Testament?
  • How many books are therein the Old Testament?
  • How many books are there in the Bible in total?
  • How many languages has the Bible been translated into?
  • How many words are there in the Bible?
  • How is the Bible used?
  • Why is the Bible so important to the Christian faith?

To Visit

Christianity:

There are many Christian churches and cathedrals throughout the UK, however these listed below are of particular interest and many have tours.

Islam:

London central Mosque & The Islamic Cultural Centre: http://www.iccuk.org/page.php?section=education&page=visits

Key Stage 4

During Key Stage 4 the religious and non-religious concepts to ethics, philosophical issues, morality and spiritual beliefs that were studied at Key Stage 3 are developed further. Our Year 10 and 11 students will work within a mutually respectful and safe environment to explore and critically analyse a myriad of real-world issues and dilemmas.

Lessons are delivered in a variety of styles including the regular opportunity to deep-dive into topic areas using evaluative debate.

Specific themes are addressed throughout the two-year course.

Examination Board/Qualification:   Eduqas GCSE
Specification:                                    Route A

  • Paper 1 (2hrs) Philosophical and Ethical Studies covering: Relationships, Issues of Life and Death, Good and Evil, and Human Rights.
  • Paper 2 (1 hr) Study of Christianity, covering beliefs, teachings and practices.
  • Paper 3 (1 hr) Study of Islam, covering beliefs, teachings and practices.

Topics Covered

 

Autumn:
Terms 1 & 2

Spring:
Terms 3 & 4

Summer:
Terms 5 & 6

Year 10

Christianity Beliefs & Practices

Islam Beliefs & Practices

Relationships
Good & Evil

Year 11

Issues of Life & Death
Revision & Mocks

Human Rights
Revision Programme

Revision Programme External Exams

Timetable

Over a fortnightly timetable, students receive:

  • 5 hours of guided classroom learning
  • 2 hours of guided independent homework

Enrichment and extra Curricular

To Read

The following link is updated regularly with books based on religious principles from a variety of religions and is worth a look to get new ideas: https://bookriot.com/novels-religion/

To Watch

  • The Family (15) – An enigmatic conservative Christian group known as the family wields enormous influence in Washington, D.C., in pursuit of its global ambitions.
  • The Boy In the Striped Pyjamas (12) – When his family moves from Berlin to Poland, a young boy befriends a boy who lives on the other side of the fence, unaware he’s a Jewish prisoner.
  • Layla M (15) – In response to the repeated bigotry she faces, a Muslim teen in Amsterdam tries to find a sense of belonging in the world of fundamentalist Islam.

To LIsten

To Research

  • With the knowledge built upon from core beliefs and teaching, pick a religion of your choice and research how this will affect the believer’s day-to-day life. A good site to start with is: www.reonline.org.uk

To Visit

Christianity:

Islam:

Key Stage 5

Religious Studies in The Sixth Form combines Philosophy of Religion and Ethics and The Study of Religion and Dialogues (Christianity). Students are encouraged to take a multidisciplinary approach and make links between all aspects of the course. Students reflect on the History of Religion as well as the changing religious landscape within today’s society.

Throughout the course we look to philosophers, psychologists, and theologians of the past to inform our opinions on current issues. Students are encouraged to voice their opinions academically, developing key skills of communication, debating and critical thinking.  Specific themes are addressed throughout the two-year course.

Examination Board/Qualification:    AQA  A Level

  • Paper 1 (2hrs) Philosophy of Religion and Ethics.
  • Paper 2 (1 hr) Study of Religion and Dialogues (Christianity)

Topics Covered

 

Autumn:
Terms 1 & 2

Spring:
Terms 3 & 4

Summer:
Terms 5 & 6

Year 12

Arguments for the existence of God, Evil and Suffering, Religious Experience, Religious Language

Ethics: Ethical theories - Natural Moral Law; Situation Ethics; Virtue Ethics. Application of ethical theories to moral issues and human life. Application of ethical theories to issues of animal rights. Meta Ethics. Free will. Moral responsibility. The ideas of Bentham and Kant.

 

Revision Programme

Year 13

Christianity - Sources of Wisdom and Authority, God, Self, Death and the Afterlife, Good Conduct and Key moral Principles, Expressions of Religious Identity, Christianity and Science, Expressions of  Gender and Sexuality

Dialogues between Christianity and Ethics, Revision Programme

Revision Programme, External Exams

Timetable

Over a fortnightly timetable, students receive:

  • 8 hours of guided classroom learning
  • 2 hours of guided independent study time
  • 8 hours of guided independent homework

Enrichment and Extra Curricular

To Read

  • Books:
    • The God Delusion – Richard Dawkins
    • Theology: The Basics – Alistair McGrath
    • The Philosophy Book - Will Buckingham (et.al.)
    • What does it all mean? A Very Short Introduction to Philosophy – Thomas Nagel
    • Christianity: An Introduction – Alistair McGrath
  • Online articles:
    • Oxford University Press’ ‘Very Short Introduction’ series:
    • What is Metaphysics? - Stephen Mumford
    • What are science-religion debates really about? - Thomas Dixon

To Watch

The following YouTube channels provide useful explanations into many of the topics outlined above:

Films/Documentaries:

  • The Story of God with Morgan Freeman - Morgan Freeman presents his quest in order to find how most religions perceive life after death, what different civilizations thought about the act of creation and other big questions that mankind has continuously asked.
  • Unsolved Mysteries – Netflix – This series uses re-enactments and interviews to retell the circumstances of, well, mysteries that are unsolved. Covering crimes, tales of lost love, unexplained history and paranormal events.
  • The Family (15) – An enigmatic conservative Christian group known as the family wields enormous influence in Washington, D.C., in pursuit of its global ambitions.
  • Layla M (15) – In response to the repeated bigotry she faces, a Muslim teen in Amsterdam tries to find a sense of belonging in the world of fundamentalist Islam.

To Listen

To Research

Visit your local library and browse their religion and philosophy books and articles in accordance with the topics outlined above.

To Visit

  • Museums
  • Science Museum: Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2D – broaden your scientific understanding and consider the relationship between religion and science.
  • Natural History Museum: Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD – to complement your learning on religion and science and to support the cross-curricular links with history.

Christianity: There are many Christian churches and cathedrals throughout the UK, however these listed below are of particular interest and many have tours.

Further afield:

Athens: Walk in the footsteps of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle

Careers

We have a wealth of information on our Careers page - Please click here to visit. 

Twitter Wall

Twitter Wall

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04/09/24

Join us for an exciting series of Transition Workshops this term, ranging from Young Philosophers to Music and Science. Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot today by booking through our Eventbrite page via the link below!https://t.co/0P43MLFL8P#TransitionWorkshop pic.twitter.com/lEceBcnwRK

21/06/24

Betsy Ellis from has won the Future in Aviation Award. Congratulations Betsy! pic.twitter.com/WVK4L1LSDE

21/06/24

Winner of the Junior Science Award is Taliah Rothschild from . Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/3IhcXuCOAF

04/06/24

We are currently recruiting for several support staff positions. If you're passionate about education and looking to make a difference, we want to hear from you! To apply, please visit our website or follow the link below:https://t.co/Wp92LBvxMR pic.twitter.com/AKPSnemZDI

10/05/24

Last week, our Orchestra had their final rehearsal before Year 13 began their study leave, marking the occasion with a photo capturing all the instruments in harmony🎼 We look forward to welcoming back the full Orchestra with the Year 13 members for the upcoming Summer Concert! pic.twitter.com/Am4loN20Vk

09/05/24

Only a few hours left until Year 8, Year 9 and Year 10 take on the Maidstone Football Finals at the Gallagher Stadium tonight! - Our Year 7 team will be playing in two weeks. Year 8 Kick Off: 3:45pm Year 9 Kick Off: 5:30pm Year 10 Kick Off: 6:45pm We hope to see you there🌟 pic.twitter.com/RnVjcild4T

29/04/24

We are proud to announce this year's production will be James and the Giant Peach! 🍑 Rehearsals are underway, and we can't wait to bring this beloved story to life on stage. Keep your eyes peeled as we will be sharing sneak peeks of rehearsals in the coming weeks!#RoaldDahl pic.twitter.com/umRTEJFoC0

09/04/24

With Earth Day less than two weeks away, here are some ways to be more eco-friendly and better look after our Earth!#EarthDay pic.twitter.com/2wpO09fPoq

21/03/24

Spring has sprung at Invicta and yesterday our Year 7 and 8 POP Photography students enjoyed the first day of spring by focussing on natural textures!#Photography pic.twitter.com/VXK4Zh7tNz

20/03/24

KS2 enjoyed participating in language workshops on Tuesday morning, focusing on German, French and Spanish with some students from pic.twitter.com/seA6XOjMYz

20/03/24

KS2 enjoyed participating in language workshops on Tuesday morning, focusing on German, French and Spanish with some students from pic.twitter.com/seA6XOjMYz

14/03/24

Today is International Day of Mathematics🎉 At Invicta, we're passionate about empowering our students with the boundless potential of mathematics both in and outside the classroom! Join us as we discover the magic of numbers in everyday life! pic.twitter.com/uhDfB1ToUy

12/03/24

Last week marked a significant moment in Invicta's history as we gathered for our whole school photo, a rare event that takes place only once every 7 years. Here are some behind-the-scenes photos from the day, showcasing the infectious excitement and sense of community! pic.twitter.com/Y5RDLffV0C

08/03/24

Today we are capturing a moment in time with a whole school photo!📸 pic.twitter.com/Hya2nGJX2H

04/03/24

Students had a fantastic time during last week's POP sessions (Personal Opportunities Program)! We saw students engage with a host of new and familiar favourite activities including, Chess, Coding, Minecraft, Photography, Yoga, Crochet, Nature Walks and so many more! pic.twitter.com/bSmEMQ0Yo5

29/02/24

Our upcoming non-uniform day supports FIGS, our parent-teacher association. The theme is "Be Active!" It's a day to dress sporty and promote physical activity and wellness. Let's show our support for FIGS while staying active and healthy!#NonUniform pic.twitter.com/MZ6ljDx4TN

26/02/24

I had a lovely morning visit to today. The year 8s have been studying the movement & some of the specific stories I explore in my book, of Kent. It was lovely to talk about who grew up in pic.twitter.com/e5GiWrX4zb

26/02/24

I had a lovely morning visit to today. The year 8s have been studying the movement & some of the specific stories I explore in my book, of Kent. It was lovely to talk about who grew up in pic.twitter.com/e5GiWrX4zb

21/02/24

World Book Day is just over 2 weeks away now! What are some of your favourite books that you've read so far this year, who are your favourite authors... We'd love to hear your thoughts on reading, books and literature!#WorldBookDay pic.twitter.com/tZnX6Fd8WS

21/02/24

Join us for fab line up of Live Talks for 4-9 Mar delivered by aimed at https://t.co/3zmmUzLLnQ pic.twitter.com/G7sQFjiTQf

21/02/24

Join us for fab line up of Live Talks for 4-9 Mar delivered by aimed at https://t.co/3zmmUzLLnQ pic.twitter.com/G7sQFjiTQf

19/02/24

Last term, our Year 9 photographers explored aperture, depth of field and composition in their work to create these stunning photographs of miniature cars, inspired by the works of Kim Leuenberger! pic.twitter.com/jYOG8pXoS1

06/02/24

We currently have several vacancies available including a Teacher of MFL Spanish, a Receptionist and a Careers Advisor. If you are looking to join a friendly and encouraging team, please submit an application using the link below!https://t.co/Wp92LBuZXj pic.twitter.com/mLyLvveSza

30/01/24

Last week marked the Primary Literacy Challenge! Thanks to all the teams who attended, we hope you had a great time! See you at our Primary STEM challenge next term! Congratulations to for winning! 🏆🎉 pic.twitter.com/ILU5YmABv1

30/01/24

A reminder to students and parents that next Monday, 5 February is a non-uniform day and students are encouraged to wear something blue or nature-themed if they have items in their wardrobe to support and raise awareness for The Marine Conservation Society 💙 pic.twitter.com/bNElZCXC2h