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, and Citizenship 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 have a foundational ‘course’ in the first half term for year 7 to enable them to fully access the curriculum as they progress through school. This is an exploration of the ‘lenses’ we use to study; the Theological, Philosophical, and Sociological lenses. 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 Students at KS4 also receive two lessons a fortnight, and the homework set (once a unit) is set to aid further learning and retrieval practice at home using the Seneca Learning platform. Students follow the Eduqas Short Course at GCSE, and this is something all students participate in. Studies include Christian and Islamic beliefs and teachings, whilst also learning about ethical topics such as Issues of Relationships and Issues of Life and Death. The beauty of this course is that students get an extra GCSE, without taking away from curriculum time in their chosen subjects. Enrichment Opportunities There are several enrichment opportunities available to all students. For example, we run a Film Club during Monday lunch times, Mindfulness Club on Wednesday lunch times, and recently we have contributed to the running of Pride Club on Tuesday lunch times. Trips are also very important to Religion and Worldviews, with plans to visit local places of worship, places of significance abroad (for example Auschwitz), 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. Make use of the curriculum overview below in order to target certain topics you could drop into your conversations. You can also support your child with their homework, which is often in the form of a creative assignment. 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 Living Biblically 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 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, You’re Dead to Me, The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps, Stuff You Missed in History Class, 5 Minutes of Faith, and On Being with Krista Tippett. If you enjoy podcasts, stay tuned for our very own Religion & Worldviews podcast coming soon. Specifically created for our KS4 students. 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 Good news! When you finish your course in Religion & Worldviews you will be able to become a priest!… I’m joking – this isn’t the only career path. There are so many careers you can go into, and 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.
