Religion and Worldviews Humanities Intent The Humanities Department at Lathom aims to develop students’ understanding of, and curiosity about, the world around them. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and vocabulary to investigate, analyse and interpret the modern world. Through their study of Geography, History, Religion and Worldviews students will learn about how our globalized world has been shaped and is continually changing. They will have the opportunity to explore enquiry questions, think critically and communicate effectively. Religion and Worldviews Intent Our curriculum for Religion and Worldviews at Lathom aims to foster understanding and respect for diverse religious traditions and philosophical perspectives. Through critical thinking exercises and open dialogue, students explore the impact of religion on society, develop empathy, and enhance their communication skills. We introduce the concept of Worldviews at the start of Year 7, and build on this idea through the study of different religious and non-religious perspectives. We encourage ethical reflection and promote global awareness, preparing students to become engaged and inclusive citizens in an interconnected world. By celebrating diversity and inclusivity, our curriculum nurtures a sense of belonging and community while equipping students with the knowledge and attitudes needed to navigate a complex and diverse world with empathy and respect. Core Principles: Respect Diversity: Learn about different religions and worldviews without judgement. Think Critically: Analyse beliefs with an open mind. Communicate Respectfully: Talk about theological, philosophical, and sociological topics respectfully and listen to others. Value Acceptance: Appreciate differences and promote understanding in a diverse world. We have a completely inclusive curriculum. Key Stage 3 Students at KS3 receive two lessons a fortnight, and the homework set (set once a unit) is appropriate to support the learning that takes place in the classroom. Progress of students is monitored regularly through class assignments, and there are assessments completed at an appropriate stage in each unit of work. Key Stage 4 At KS4 students either study the AQA Short Course GCSE route or the AQA Full Course GCSE route. Short Course: Students have two lessons a fortnight, and cover four topics. two based on religious beliefs and teachings and two themes: Christian Beliefs and Teachings Islam Beliefs and Teachings Relationships and Family Religion, Peace and Conflict Curriculum Outline Short Course Full Course: Students have five lessons a fortnight, and cover the four topics above and the following: Christian Practices Islam Practices Religion and Life Religion, Human Rights and Social Justice Curriculum Outline Full Course Enrichment Opportunities As part of our studies we aim to visit local places of worship, and invite people into school to talk to our students about their lived experiences. Trips are also very important to Religion and Worldviews, with plans to visit local places of worship, other places of significance and visits to the theatre when appropriate performances are scheduled. Supporting Your Child Initiating conversations on complex issues is a great start to helping your child develop outside of the classroom. Discussing Worldviews and the importance of these open up interesting conversations. You can also support your child with their homework. Where to visit You would be welcomed by all places of worship should you want to visit them – just get in touch with them beforehand and plan a day out. Some of the places you can visit locally include: Skelmersdale Ecumenical Centre – SkelmersdaleSri Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sahib – Sikh Temple – LiverpoolAl-Rahma Mosque – LiverpoolLiverpool Anglican Cathedral – LiverpoolLiverpool Metropolitan Cathedral – LiverpoolThe Buddhist Centre – LiverpoolPrinces Road Synagogue – LiverpoolManchester Cathedral – ManchesterManchester Jewish Museum – ManchesterVarious Museums – The North West What to watch Many TV shows explore varied worldviews or religious ideas. Some worth watching are: The Good Place Good Omens The Bible The Chosen Highway to Heaven God Friended Me Race Across the World Everyone Else Burns Young Sheldon Pilgrimage – BBC Many films also explore varied worldviews or religious ideas. Some of those worth watching are: The Help Selma The Shack Malcolm X Martin Luther King The Shawshank Redemption I, Origins Planet Earth The Tree of Life The Blind Side What to listen to Music can be a source of inspiration and comfort. Listen to music that inspires or uplifts you. Lo-Fi or classical music is always a good idea when studying, as there aren’t any lyrics to distract you. Additionally, there are podcasts available online that you may find interesting. Some of our favourites are: Philosophize This!, Interfaith Voices The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps 5 Minutes of Faith On Being with Krista Tippett. What to read Books are a great way to challenge our own worldview, as it allows us to journey into the mind of others and imagine a world other than our own. Some great books worth reading include: The Help by Kathryn Stockett I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai The Shack by Wm. Paul Young The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff Refugee Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah Killing Honour by Bali Rai Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank The Book Thief by Markus Zusak Holy Books (such as The Bible/The Qur’an) by God Useful Websites KS3 Religious Studies – BBC BitesizeKS4 Religious Studies – BBC Bitesize Potential Careers There are so many careers you can go into following your study of Religion and Worldviews; here are just a few: Prison Work, Hospitality, Social Work, Pastoral Care, Counselling/Psychotherapy, Chaplaincy, Teaching, Media/Journalism, Travel and Tourism, Museum Curator, Charity Work, Law, and Community Outreach. *Parents have the right to withdraw their children from some parts of RE teaching. Should you wish to discuss this option, please contact school via enquiries@lathom.lancs.sch.uk
