Religious Education
Head of Department: Mrs O Furbank
Our approach to the RE curriculum
The Religious Education department was judged to be outstanding in the 2015 Diocesan Section 48 inspection. We strongly believe that Religious Education is at the heart of the Catholic ethos of the school, not only educating students academically, but also morally and spiritually. Our RE teachers are highly trained subject specialists who not only help students engage with the curriculum, but ensure that students gain an essential understanding of the world around them. The department has been one of the highest performing departments across the school in recent years and continues to inspire and motivate students to achieve highly in Religious Education.
Our Learning Journey:
Key Stage 3: In Years 7, 8 and 9 we teach the ‘People of God’ scheme of work which has been approved by the Diocese of Middlesbrough. Students have the opportunity to explore what it means to belong to the Catholic faith, as well as learn about other world religions. This course helps prepare students for a challenging GCSE specification for both knowledge of the content and assessment objectives.
Key Stage 4: All students follow the GCSE AQA Religious Studies course through to Year 11. Students are taught an in-depth study of Catholic Christianity, as well as focusing on Judaism as a second religion. There is also an opportunity to consider contemporary issues / views that help prepare young people for the modern world. A small number of students may complete the level 2 NOCN Religious Certificate where the assessment structure of the GCSE is not appropriate.
Key Stage 5: (16-19 qualifications) Students study AQA Religious Studies A Level which covers Philosophy, Ethics and Christianity. The Christianity paper involves a comprehensive study of the faith, as well as developing synoptic skills to successfully address the ‘Dialogues’ section of the final assessment.
Core RE Core Religious Education is provided for every student in Sixth Form at St Mary’s College. Year 12 and 13 students have access to an engaging syllabus that matches the requirements of the RECD as well as incorporating a range of key practical skills to help students further develop their studies.
How you can find out more about the RE Curriculum
Syllabus materials KS4 / KS5: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies
Faculty Leader contact: rflanagan@smchull.org
RE Department Staff
- Miss R Flanagan: Vice Principal & Senior Link to RE
- Mrs O Furbank: Second in Department
- Miss L Burden: KS3 Co-ordinator
- Mr A Turner: Vice Principal
- Mr N Abakah–Phillips: Assistant Head of Year 8 & Teacher of RE
- Mr David Thomas: Teacher of RE
- Miss A Patten: Teacher of RE
- Mrs J Wallace: Teacher of RE & History
- Ms K Cameron: Teacher of RE & History
- Mr W Johnston: Head of Year 9, Teacher of RE & Geography
- Mr J Dale: Head of Year 8, Teacher of RE and PE
- Mrs A Brown: Teacher of RE and History
- Miss R Appleyard: Teacher of SEND and RE