Disciplinary Knowledge in RE

Disciplinary knowledge specific to RE is sub-divided into Theology, Philosophy and Ethics. Each of these disciplines will be subject to the personal world-view of the student which, itself, requires academic rigour to reach a workable level of awareness. In other words, each student should bring to their learning a conscious awareness of their own world-view. The learning of one’s own world-view can be called personal disciplinary knowledge and it must be stressed that it is a life-time’s work.

Personal Disciplinary Knowledge: World-views make a difference

A student’s world-view is influenced by their culture, religion, ethnicity, social class, gender, historical and geographical context and political awareness. When students become aware of their world-view in relation to others it explains their ‘lens’, which informs the reasons for their understanding and assumptions about issues and content. Challenges to their opinions from RE content and from others are healthy and encourage sophisticated thought.

Subject Disciplinary Knowledge: Theology, Philosophy and Ethics

Theology

Theology is a systematic study of the Divine. Students will have the tools to justify, compare and challenge religious traditions and world-views. Students learn to understand the different ways people interpret and respond to sacred texts and other sources of authority, such as a church encyclicals and documents. Students become familiar with different Christian approaches to the Bible from a variety of world-views including fundamental world views, post-enlightenment/liberal world views and Catholic approaches to Scripture including other sources of authority. For example; students argue for and against God’s existence and consider God’s nature and revelation (Bible).

Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of the truth of human existence. Students will have the tools to ask questions beyond what is presented. For example, what is ‘Infinity’ and is it a working concept? Will science eventually explain what is, for now, unexplainable? Is religion an attempt by all cultures to find meaning and truth?

Ethics
Ethics is the study of morality. Students will have the tools to reach a justified stance about right and wrong in moral dilemmas. For example, is war always wrong?

World-views will affect each of the three disciplines, especially in relation to sources of authority (the conscience, Bible and Church) and the extent of belief in the supernatural power of God.

Tools of Application? ‘Thinking and writing like a theologian’

Students are taught to think and write as ‘theologians’ and/or ‘philosophers, producing writing rooted in both disciplines.

To write like a theologian, students need to develop the ability to be able explain the following; the origin of a belief, the examination of authority and/or reliability of key texts, beliefs, concepts and ideas. The need to understand various world views and recognise the extent to which differing world views make a difference is of significant importance.

Students need explicit instruction and practice to learn and develop the skills to write as ‘theologians and philosophers’. Thus, activities such as ‘BECAUSE, BUT, SO’ and using subordinating conjunctions offer students the chance to practice greater precision in theological writing. Students also need instruction on interpreting key questions such as: What are the elements of knowledge needed to answer this question? What supporting evidence is needed? How do different world views impact the interpretation of this evidence?

Useful links

Specification Link:
https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/religious-studies-gcse/#tab_keydocuments
Please make sure you select Route B
Past Papers link:
https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/religious-studies-gcse/#tab_pastpapers