Belief & Ethics
During KS4 students are required by law to have religious education. Therefore the Belief and Ethics course fulfils a statutory requirement and is a non- examination subject. Lessons are typically discussion based and students are encouraged to examine ethical and religious topics with sensitivity. They should also develop an understanding of different perspectives.
During Year 10 we cover medical ethics, social relationships, crime and punishment and issues of conflict.
During Year 11 we cover belief in God and matters of life and death such as abortion and euthanasia.
Students may be studying RE as a GCSE and therefore the BE course is designed to underpin content from the GCSE course.
Curriculum Overview
Year 10
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Autumn 1 |
Autumn 2 |
Spring 1 |
Spring 2 |
Summer 1 |
Summer 2 |
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Topic
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An introduction to Ethics |
An introduction to Ethics |
Medical Ethics |
Marriage and the Family |
Peace and Conflict |
Peace and Conflict |
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Learning Objectives
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To explain what role ethical decision-making plays in everyday life. To apply different ethical theories to different topics including: lying, charity and sports. |
To explain what role ethical decision-making plays in everyday life. To apply different ethical theories to different topics including: lying, charity and sports. |
To explain what ethical issues there may be in the field of medicine. To be able to apply ethical theories to topics including: genetic engineering, cloning, ‘designer babies’ and animal testing. |
To explain how ethical decision-making could be applied to topics such as: marriage, divorce and sex and relationships. |
To explain how ethical theories can be applied to topics surrounding peace and conflict such as: War, Pacifism, the use of weapons of mass destruction and ownership of guns. |
To explain how ethical theories can be applied to topics surrounding peace and conflict such as: War, Pacifism, the use of weapons of mass destruction and ownership of guns. |
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Knowledge/skills to be gained
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To understand different ethical theories such as: situation ethics and utilitarianism. To be able to effectively form their own arguments on ethical theories and scenarios. |
To understand different ethical theories such as: situation ethics and utilitarianism. To be able to effectively form their own arguments on ethical theories and scenarios. |
To understand different points of view on medical ethics and the issues these can cause. To be able to effectively form their own arguments on these topics. . |
To understand different points of view on issues surrounding marriage and the family. To be able to effectively form their own opinions on these topics. |
To understand different points of view on issues surrounding peace and conflict. To be able to effectively form their own opinions on these topics. |
To understand different points of view on issues surrounding peace and conflict. To be able to effectively form their own opinions on these topics.
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Links with prior/ subsequent learning (incl KS2 and KS5 where appropriate)
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This topic can be studied further in higher education courses on Philosophy and Ethics. |
This topic can be studied further in higher education courses on Philosophy and Ethics. |
Link with higher education study of medicine and bioethics. |
Linked to higher education study of social issues and psychology. |
Links with Key Stage 2 and 3 study of conflict in History as well as further study of the topic in higher education. |
Links with Key Stage 2 and 3 study of conflict in History as well as further study of the topic in higher education. |
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Literacy/numeracy Skills
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Students will develop their skills of speaking and listening in small and large groups. |
Students will develop their skills of speaking and listening in small and large groups. |
Students will develop their skills of speaking and listening in small and large groups. |
Students will develop their skills of speaking and listening in small and large groups. |
Students will develop their skills of speaking and listening in small and large groups. |
Students will develop their skills of speaking and listening in small and large groups. |
Year 11
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Autumn 1 |
Autumn 2 |
Spring 1 |
Spring 2 |
Summer 1 |
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Topic
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Crime and Punishment |
Crime and Punishment |
Matters of Life and Death |
Matters of Life and Death |
Matters of Life and Death/ Revision |
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Learning Objectives
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To describe different approaches to crime and punishment. To apply different ethical theories to different topics including: death penalty, punishment and prison. |
To describe different approaches to crime and punishment. To apply different ethical theories to different topics including: death penalty, punishment and prison. |
To explain how ethical decision-making could be applied to topics such as: Abortion and Euthanasia. Furthermore, to understand the sanctity of life and when does in begin |
To explain how ethical decision-making could be applied to topics such as: Abortion and Euthanasia. Furthermore, to understand the sanctity of life and when does in begin |
To explain how ethical decision-making could be applied to topics such as: Abortion and Euthanasia. Furthermore, to understand the sanctity of life and when does in begin
During this period students have a chance to go back over topics studied, and can reinforce and solidify their learning in these areas |
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Knowledge/skills to be gained
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To understand different ethical theories such as: situation ethics and utilitarianism. To be able to effectively form their own arguments on ethical theories and scenarios. |
To understand different ethical theories such as: situation ethics and utilitarianism. To be able to effectively form their own arguments on ethical theories and scenarios. |
To comprehend different points of view on issues surrounding matters of life and death. To be able to successfully form their own opinions on these topics. |
To comprehend different points of view on issues surrounding matters of life and death. To be able to successfully form their own opinions on these topics. |
To comprehend different points of view on issues surrounding matters of life and death. To be able to successfully form their own opinions on these topics.
Builds upon existing revision and exam skills knowledge developed through KS2- KS3. |
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Links with prior/ subsequent learning (incl KS2 and KS5 where appropriate)
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This topic can be studied further in higher education courses on Philosophy and Ethics. This topic also links to the study of law. |
This topic can be studied further in higher education courses on Philosophy and Ethics. This topic also links to the study of law. |
Link with higher education study of Philosophy and Ethics |
Link with higher education study of Philosophy and Ethics |
Link with higher education study of Philosophy and Ethics To give students adequate time to prepare of examination |
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Literacy/numeracy Skills
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Students will develop their skills of speaking and listening in small and large groups. |
Students will develop their skills of speaking and listening in small and large groups.
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Students will develop their skills of speaking and listening in small and large groups.
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Students will develop their skills of speaking and listening in small and large groups.
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Students will develop their skills of speaking and listening in small and large groups.
Builds upon existing revision and exam skills knowledge developed through KS2- KS3.
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