“We should teach religion to children because, by learning about the origins of myths and the histories of various religious institutions, they can see all religions as part of the same phenomenon — and not see one as inherently superior to all others. ”
— Richard Dawkins, Evolutionary Biologist

Aim

Religious Studies allow students to gain an understanding of how beliefs and values affect our lives. We give our children a healthy dose of religious education early on, teaching them a range of comparative mythology and religion. Children are naturally curious and enjoy learning about the ancient belief systems. By teaching them about the world’s religions, we fill a gap in their knowledge that will help them throughout their lives.

Approach

Pupils in Year 5 and 6 receive two Religious Studies lessons a week. Pupils in Year 7 and 8 have two lessons a week with a Religious Studies specialist.

Religious Studies develops knowledge and understanding of the Bible and Judeo-Christian theological thought. It develops important interpretive skills and encourages pupils to ask challenging questions about the meaning of life and death, faith in God, the nature of right and wrong and what it means to be human. It also introduces pupils to the traditions and beliefs of other major world religions and enables them to reflect on links between religious thought and a wide variety of issues facing contemporary society.

There are close links between Sompting Abbotts School and the Parish Church of St Mary's opposite the school. There are regular church services and the children use the church building to enrich their study.

What will my child study?

Year 5 Autumn Term

  • Judaism
  • Life cycle
  • Festivals
  • Synagogue
  • Concept of Kosher

Year 5 Spring Term

  • Christianity
  • Bible
  • Beliefs
  • Baptism
  • Prayer
  • Churches
  • Clergy

Year 5 Summer Term

  • Christianity
  • Festival
  • Pilgrimage
  • Lifestyle
  • Denominations
  • Saints

Year 6 Autumn Term

  • Who is Jesus?
  • Images of Jesus
  • John the Baptist/Baptism
  • Call of disciples
  • Wedding at Cana
  • Prables
  • The Centurion’s daughter

Year 6 Spring Term

  • Life, teachings and influence of Jesus

Year 6 Summer Term

  • Life, teachings and influence of Jesus

Year 7 Autumn Term

  • The Creation and Stewardship
  • The Fall of Mankind
  • Cain and Abel

Year 7 Spring Term

  • The Near Sacrifice of Isaac
  • The Ten Commandments
  • David and Jonathan

Year 7 Summer Term

  • Introduction to New Testament
  • The Temptations of Jesus
  • Jesus and the Outcasts

Year 8 Autumn Term CE

  • Being a follower of Jesus
  • Miracles of healing
  • Transfiguration
  • Parables

Year 8 Spring Term CE

  • Course work
  • Comparison of Society of Friends and Greek Orthodox Church

Year 8 Summer Term CE

  • Revision of Old and New Testament topics.
  • Exam practice.

Year 8 Autumn Term Scholarship

  • Being a follower of Jesus
  • Miracles of healing
  • Transfiguration
  • Parables

Year 8 Spring Term Scholarship

  • Contemporary issues: abortion
  • Euthanasia
  • Poverty and Wealth
  • War
  • Environment
  • Discrimination

Year 8 Summer Term Scholarship

  • Revision of Old and New Testament topics.
  • Exam practice.