Religion, Values and Ethics
RVE is an integral part of the Humanities Faculty. As a faculty, we believe it is increasingly important that as our pupils grow as part of a multi-ethnic and multi-faith society, they learn to understand and respect different religions, beliefs, values and traditions and understand the influence of these on individuals, societies, communities and cultures. We believe this knowledge will prepare them for adult life as tolerant citizens.
Through their academic study of different cultures and religions at Pontypridd High School, pupils develop their knowledge and understanding of how Christianity, and other major world faiths, offer answers to challenging questions about the nature and origin of the universe, beliefs about God, personal identity and issues of right and wrong. The Humanities Faculty at Pontypridd High School does not, however, only focus on learning about others’ beliefs and traditions. We also aim to give pupils the opportunity for personal reflection and to develop their own opinions and beliefs regarding the topics we study.
The teachers in the Faculty are very experienced which means that the subject is delivered in a variety of ways. We endeavour to develop the essential skills including analysis, application of knowledge and understanding, empathy, listening, decision-making, reflection, reasoning and judgement – skills which pupils need to be successful learners in Pontypridd High School and afterwards at college and university. The study of different cultures and religions is a rigorous, academic subject, the teaching of which is unbiased. As a result, there is a place for all pupils, of which ever faith or none in this subject.
Staff
| Staff Members | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Ceri-Lynne Jones | Head of Humanities Faculty |
| Jonathan Powell | Teacher |
Years 7 and 8
Religious Studies at Key Stage 3 is delivered as part of a Humanities programme that includes Geography and History
Years 10 and 11
All pupils in Year 10 follow the WJEC GCSE (Short Course) in Religious Studies. The written examination is taken at the end of Year 10 and there is no coursework component.
At the end of Year 11 pupils sit two written exams. These account for 100% of their final grade. There is no coursework component or controlled assessment.
Years 9, 10 and 11GCSE Option
GCSE Religious Studies is a Full Course GCSE at Pontypridd High School. The GCSE provides opportunities for our pupils to follow a course that explores the core beliefs, teachings and practices of at least two religions, with an understanding of how they can be applied to philosophical and ethical themes. The two religions studied are Christianity and Islam.
Skills Developed
Careers Route
There are three main ways of ‘using’ Religious Studies in the world of work:
1.Careers where it is important or useful to have knowledge of what really matters to people: Health care, child care, social care, medicine, psychology, police work, customer services.
2.Careers which make good use of the research, investigatory and report writing techniques learned in studying religion: law, police work (forensic), psychology, public services, management.
3. Careers where you need specific knowledge of religions: teaching, social work, archaeology, museum work; fine art, conservation/natural history and architecture.
Any Further Information
Please See Miss C Jones Head of Humanities Faculty