“Difference is the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth, and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace: respect for diversity.”
– John Hume
Powerful Knowledge in Beliefs and Values
To understand the world around us, and how we fit into that world, we must attempt to understand the cultures, traditions, customs and beliefs of the people we share it with, as well as developing a better understanding of who we are. It is every child’s right to become equipped with the powerful knowledge that will allow them to be a respectful, tolerant, and active citizen who can form and evaluate their own opinions whilst accepting those of other people.
Within Beliefs and Values, and through the subjects of Religious Studies, PSHE and Citizenship, we believe that the powerful knowledge that enables students to achieve this is through:
- being taught about how to make their own decisions about moral, ethical and current affairs
- understanding the differences and similarities we hold with others and to celebrate these
- being empowered on how to make decisions that will have a positive impact on their physical and/or mental wellbeing.
- understanding how to form respectful, meaningful and happy relationships through understanding of how we should treat others and how we should be treated
- knowing that many things are ambiguous, and developing empathy to see things from other perspectives
- developing pride in one’s own sense of self
- inspiring students to look beyond their own sphere of experience
- knowing the choices that are open to everyone, and how to make the most of these choices
Curriculum Features
Beliefs and Values at Laurus Ryecroft gives students the opportunity to become aware of the world, the people and the issues that surround them. Religious studies explores philosophical, theological and sociological disciplines; through this academic rigour, our pupils can develop a full understanding of what it means to be religious and how that looks in modern Britain and throughout the world. As part of this, students will engage with living religions that are active and relevant in our world and in our school. They will engage with these lessons throughout both KS3 and KS4, ensuring that our ethos follows them through all facets of their education.
Through PSHE and Citizenship, students will learn: how to care for themselves and others; how to debate key topics; engage with modern and historical ethics and themes. Building on a grounding of PSHE, Citizenship and Religious studies, B&V gives students the power to apply these ideas to the world that impacts them.
Students are asked to think politically, decisively and analytically in order to make their own decisions, evaluate the decisions of others and engage with modern topics whilst being knowledgeable, respectful and thoughtful.
Co-curricular Enrichment
Out of the Beliefs and Values department, we try to work with the local religious leaders, charities and organisations and run events to ensure the religious make-up of our school is represented, thereby giving students an opportunity to engage with a living religion. Events such as Inter-Faith Week allow students to engage with different cultures and communities.
Our LGBTQ+ Allies, Pryde Club and B&V Ambassadors work towards making our school an inclusive and tolerant environment. We have achieved the Rainbow Flag award and are working towards achieving the Diana Award.
Students are invited to participate in the National Spirited Arts competition where they can apply themselves creatively to religious and philosophical themes, and the B&V house competition allows students to engage with their own beliefs.
Through our Electives programme we also allow students to engage with the oldest subject in the world as they start to question their own reality and the world around them. This aligns with a pathway to A Level Philosophy.
PSHE and Citizenship curriculum is also complemented by assemblies, form times, drop-down sessions and special events. We work with charities, organisations and agencies to provide a full programme of events that enhance learning done in Beliefs and Values lessons, empowering students to be confident and active citizens. We offer electives that students can take part in to help them with their identity and understanding of society.
Parents/carers have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Studies (RS), this is in accordance with the 1988 Education Reform Act. Parents/carers considering withdrawal from RS should contact the head teacher to arrange a discussion. (Parents/carers can only withdraw their child from RS, not other curriculum areas. For example, students can’t be withdrawn from a study of religious art in an Art lesson, or parts of the History curriculum such as the study of Christian conversions).