BELFAST HIGH SCHOOL
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
The Religious Studies Department at Belfast High School aims to broaden the perspective of our pupils, helping them to engage with the wider world and develop viewpoints on topical issues.
Head of Department
Mrs P Wharry BTh PGCE
Teaching Staff
Mr M Smith BD PGCE
CURRICULUM
Key Stage 3
Pupils study a wide range of topics as outlined in the Northern Ireland curriculum.
Year 8 pupils study: An Introduction to Christianity, Faith in the Old Testament and Judaism.
Year 9 pupils study: The World of Jesus and the People he Encountered, Forgiveness through the life story of Corrie ten Boom, Who is Jesus? and Islam.
Year 10 pupils study: Remarkable Leaders (includes Jesus, William Wilberforce and Martin Luther King), Crime and Punishment, Modern Warfare and Contemporary Issues.
GCSE
At GCSE, pupils in Year 11 follow the CCEA specification completing ‘An introduction to Christian Ethics’ module, considering issues such as Relationships, Modern Warfare and Abortion. Those who select Full Course in Year 12, will follow the CCEA specification completing ‘The Revelation of God and the Christian Church’ module, considering key accounts surrounding the Life of Christ and a Comparative Study of Two Churches.
A detailed list of the topics covered can be found on the GCSE CCEA specification which can be accessed here. Pupils complete Units 3 and 6.
A Level
At A Level, pupils will follow the CCEA specification for ‘An Introduction to Acts/Themes in Paul’s Letters’ and ‘Early Church History. Pupils will engage in a Synoptic Element to make links across the two units of study and historical and contemporary issues faced by the world.
Co-curricular Activities
Pupils have the opportunity to engage with various external organisations including Scripture Union NI and Journey2Where, who offer interactive and engaging presentations. GCSE Full Course pupils also have the opportunity to visit a variety of local churches and the Belfast Synagogue.