Philosophy and Ethics
P&E at Worthing High School is
- Relevant
- Thought provoking
- Questioning
- Develops understanding
Information about the re Department
Curriculum Vision
All students will gain the insight needed to decode the rituals and traditions of a wide range of faiths and cultures, developing into tolerant and inquisitive individuals, who are alive to the diversity of modern society.
Curriculum Intent
Our curriculum is built on the foundation of knowledge from a wide range of faiths and belief systems. This platform enables students to master the skills needed to formulate arguments, address misconceptions and evaluate different perspectives.
We hope to instil awareness and acceptance in our students that will prepare them for success in GCSE Philosophy and Ethics, and their future lives beyond Worthing High School.
Our teaching uses research based, evidence informed teaching strategies in line with subject guidance from the West Sussex Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) and National Association of Teachers of Religious Education (NATRE). Teaching and learning will aim to:
- Challenge stereotypes and misconceptions.
- Encourage debate and discussion
- Develop student’s cultural capital and global awareness
- Enhance higher order reasoning, use of logic and critical thinking skills
- Ensure all students respect the customs and cultures of others
- Allow students to articulate their point of view in written discussion
- Examine the importance of faith and spirituality in today’s world
Curriculum Sequencing
Key Stage Three (Year 7-9)
P&E is taught 2 lessons per fortnight in Year 7 & 8 and this will be extended to Year 9 in 2022-23. The department’s programme of study has been written in line with the West Sussex Agreed Syllabus 2015 and was approved at the Agreed Syllabus conference in June 2016. Students are assessed in accordance with the school’s assessment, marking and feedback policy. Students are graded from the very beginning using the 1-9 GCSE criteria.
KS4 (Year 10 and 11)
P&E is offered to all students as an option subject has 5 lessons per fortnight. Students follow AQA Specification A a study of the beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity and Islam and a study of four religious, philosophical and ethical themes.
Aims of the P&E Department
- To learn what religious people believe and why they have these beliefs as well as learn how religious people behave because of their beliefs.
- To explore and develop each student’s personal beliefs and morals whether they are religious or not.
- To find out what they have in common with those who have similar and different beliefs to them.
- To ask questions and have discussions.
- To develop high standards of written work in order to express what has been learnt and what they think.
Departmental Staff
Mr R Mashford - Subject Leader for Philosophy and Ethics and Progress Leader
Facilities
The designated classroom has an interactive whiteboard, religious texts and displays to promote religious, moral, philosophical and ethical inquiry and reflection.
IT Rooms and technology can be booked when necessary
Our Philosophy
P&E facilitates students in their exploration of their own and other’s search for personal and religious truths.
Key Stage Three (Year 7-9)
P&E has 1 lesson per fortnight in Year 7, 8 and 9. The department’s programme of study has been written in line with the West Sussex Agreed Syllabus 2015 and was approved at the Agreed Syllabus conference in June 2016. Students are assessed in accordance with the school’s assessment, marking and feedback policy. Students are graded from the very beginning using the 1-9 GCSE criteria.
KS4 (Year 10 and 11)
P&E is offered to all students as an option subject has 5 lessons per fortnight. Students follow AQA Specification A a study of the beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity and Judaism and a study of four religious, philosophical and ethical themes.
Additional Sessions
Period 6 and Revision Sessions – please contact the Subject Leader
Revision Sessions
For Easter Revision Sessions, please see Exam Support and Timetables page - under Teaching & Learning.