Religious and moral education

Principal Teacher: Mr Hunter

In addition to standard S1/S2 courses, the department also offers the following courses:

Core access 3 / Intermediate 1/2
Higher

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Core access 3 / Intermediate 1/2

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Aims
To promote an enquiring, critical and
sympathetic approach to the study of religion; 
to encourage students to reflect on their
own experience of life to date; 
to develop insights into situations which pose
moral and social questions, and to encourage
balanced and understanding responses to
these situations;
to explore how religion contributes to human
identity and fulfilment.

S3  QUESTIONING  THE  WORLD  (ACCESS 3)
This is a follow-on from S2 (‘H’ Still).   In this unit pupils will look at the rules of a religious community and what it means to belong to that community.

ASSESSMENT
Short answer responses to set questions.


S3  WORLD  RELIGIONS  (INTERMEDIATE 1 / 2)
This is a follow-on from S2 (‘H’ Still).   In this unit pupils will study aspects of Buddhism.

ASSESSMENT

a)A one hour test under exam conditionsInt 1 (KU 70% / AE 30%)
Int 2 (KU60% / AE 40%)
b)A question on Buddhism in the exam in S4.


S4  QUESTIONING  MORALITY  - ACCESS 3
In this unit pupils will study moral situations and identify rights and wrongs.


ASSESSMENT
Short answer responses to set questions.


S4  MORALITY  IN  THE  MODERN  WORLD  - INTERMEDIATE  1 / 2
This unit gives pupils the opportunity to consider and develop their own understanding of the common basis of morality.   It is a follow-on from S3 (‘H’ Still).   Pupils will study topics such as the treatment of embryos, euthanasia, abortion etc. in relation to 2 moral stances (religious authority and egoism) for Int 1 and 3 moral stances  (religious authority, egoism and UTILITARIANISM) for Int 2.


ASSESSMENT

a)A one hour test under exam conditionsInt 1 (KU 70% / AE 30%)
Int 2 (KU60% / AE 40%)

b)A question on Medical Ethics in the exam (in S4).

NOTE The course at Int 1 and Int 2 levels is equivalent to a Standard Grade at general level
and credit level respectively.  Access 3 is equivalent to foundation level at Standard Grade.

Higher

Entry requirements: Intermediate 2 or by negotiation with P.T.

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COURSE CONTENT:

Unit 1 World Religions (Buddhism) - understand and analyse the main doctrines of Buddhism and evaluate its relevance in today’s society.

Unit 2 Morality in the modern world - to develop knowledge and understanding of theories about the relationship between religion and moral values.

Unit 3 Christianity: Belief and Science  - explore the relationship between Christian revelation and scientific enquiry.


METHODOLOGY

Class teaching and group discussion. Video material and possible speakers. Students will
perform more investigative work and evaluate viewpoints and issues for themselves. These will
be discussed with their own peer group and the teacher.


ASSESSMENT

Internal assessment - All Unit assessments must be passed if a student is to be presented for
the final exam (60% for Knowledge & Understanding and 40% for Analysis & Evaluation).

Course Assessment (Examination) - Two question papers - a break of 15 minutes between Paper 1 and 2.  
Paper 1 will have a compulsory question + 1 choice (1 Hr 50 Mins).  
Paper 2 is on World Religions and has various questions (55 Minutes)   (KU50% / AE 50%).

Note: Pupils who fail to pass the required assessments, or who fail to achieve the required standard in the Prelim exam will be presented at Intermediate 2.