Bellemoor School | Southampton

Welcome to the Religious Studies Department...

As the Education Reform Act (1988) requires, the teaching of Religious Education is in accordance with an agreed syllabus - in this case the Hampshire Education Authority's Agreed Syllabus of Religious Studies

The Principal Aim of the Agreed Syllabus is "to enable pupils to understand the nature of religious beliefs and practices, and the importance and influence of these in the lives of believers".

Attention is drawn to the fact that it is not the task of RS to induct pupils into any particular religion or system of belief.  "Religious Studies is concerned with making pupils aware of concepts and experiences basic to all religion".

It is also important to foster respect for a sympathetic appreciation of the beliefs and practices, which lie at the heart of religious commitment.

Course Content

Course content is drawn, in the main, from Christianity, but it also introduces pupils to the other major world faiths.  As the Hampshire Agreed Syllabus points out, exclusively Christian content could not do justice to the nature of the subject.

In the classroom a wide and varied range of learning activities and experiences are employed with a view to arousing and maintaining interest, making available new knowledge, developing understanding, teaching and reinforcing skills, and affording all pupils the opportunity to make steady, measurable progress.

Resources

The Department is generously stocked with books and printed matter.  Other resources include artefacts, pictures, posters, audio and videotapes.  Pupils may also make visits and receive visiting speakers. 

Homework

Homework is normally set.  It may be in the form of written work but many other activities are also set. 

Ways in which parents can help

First and foremost, by taking an interest in what your son is doing.  Encourage him to reflect on what he has studied and to discuss his work with you.  Acknowledge his achievements.

By ensuring that he has the best possible work facilities - a quiet place is most important - and that he spends adequate time on his homework.

By encouraging his interest in religion.  This might include drawing his attention to appropriate TV/Radio programmes, newspaper/magazine articles, the Public Library and from time to time, exhibitions.  Visiting places of worship or of special religious significance is interesting and helpful.

If you are practising members of a religious faith you will obviously be able to help your son to gain insight into the nature and importance of faith and commitment in human life.