Super Curriculum

RS

Things to read

Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder: This is a fantastic and accessible novel that introduces philosophy through a mystery. A teenage girl named Sophie begins receiving mysterious letters and a philosophy course through the mail. It’s a really engaging way to learn about key philosophical concepts and thinkers from ancient Greece to the modern day, which is highly relevant to the philosophical and ethical aspects of RS.
The World’s Religions by Huston Smith: This is a classic and widely respected non-fiction book that provides an excellent overview of the major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. It’s written in an accessible style and focuses on the core beliefs and spiritual practices of each tradition, helping you to understand the diversity of religious experience and thought that forms a key part of your GCSE.

The Story of God with Morgan Freeman: This documentary series features Morgan Freeman traveling around the world to explore different cultures and religions’ interpretations of major life questions, such as creation, the afterlife, and the nature of God. It’s accessible and offers a broad comparative perspective.
Around the World in 80 Faiths (BBC): Presented by Anglican vicar Peter Owen-Jones, this series takes viewers on a global journey to experience and learn about a vast array of religious practices, from major world religions to lesser-known spiritual traditions. It provides a fascinating insight into the diversity of human belief.

REVISE GCSE Religious Studies (by Seneca Learning): This podcast is specifically designed for GCSE students. It breaks down complex RE topics into digestible, engaging episodes, covering various aspects of different religions and ethical issues relevant to the curriculum. It’s great for revision and solidifying understanding.
The RE Podcast: This podcast aims to make Religious Education engaging and relevant for students and teachers. It covers a range of topics often discussed in RE, with episodes that can help deepen your understanding of different beliefs, ethical dilemmas, and the importance of RE in the modern world.

Explore Online Philosophy and Ethics Resources (Beyond Religious Contexts): While RE covers religion, it also delves deeply into ethics and philosophy.Online courses/lectures: Look for free online courses (MOOCs) from platforms like Coursera, edX, or even university websites (e.g., Oxford, Cambridge, MIT) that offer introductory lectures on ethics, moral philosophy, or critical thinking.
Philosophical debates/channels: Find reputable YouTube channels (e.g., CrashCourse Philosophy) or podcasts that host debates or discussions on ethical dilemmas, free will, the nature of reality, or arguments for/against the existence of God. This helps develop your critical thinking and analytical skills, which are crucial for the more philosophical aspects of RE.

Birmingham Central Mosque
Birmingham Cathedral
Nishkam Centre (Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha Gurdwara and Museum of World Religions project)

Teacher/Lecturer: Specialising in Religious Studies, History, or Ethics in schools or higher education, helping students understand different beliefs, cultures, and moral issues.
Charity or NGO Worker: Working for non-governmental organisations or charities, often in roles involving community development, social justice, international aid, or advocacy, where understanding diverse cultural and religious contexts is crucial.
Journalist/Writer: Applying critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to articulate complex ideas to report on social issues, cultural trends, or even specific religious affairs for various media outlets or publications.
Social Worker/Counsellor: Working in roles that require empathy, understanding of human behaviour.

Explore Religious Texts and Commentaries (Digitally): Choose a holy text from a religion you’re studying (e.g., the Bible, Qur’an, Bhagavad Gita, Guru Granth Sahib). Instead of just reading summaries, try to read excerpts of the actual text itself. Then, look for online commentaries, academic analyses, or even different translations. This helps you understand how texts are interpreted, the nuances of religious language, and the diversity of theological thought. Many religious organizations and academic institutions offer digitized versions and resources online.