Overview

At Key Stage 3 students undertake an Ethical and Personal Development programme which incorporates elements of Religious Studies, Citizenship and PSHE. The course is designed to develop personal awareness, values and opinions, whilst also developing a student’s analytical, written and communication skills.

KS3 Intent Statement

Year 7

Students undertake a study of British identity and discuss the issues surrounding personal identity.

They undertake an introduction to philosophy, exploring key philosophical and ethical issues to facilitate the development of the written and discussion skills. In addition, they engage in a study of Sikhism and relate this to stages of life, as well as the concepts of values and commitments.

Year 8

Year 8 begins with a look at the way our country is governed, with a focus on democracy and political apathy. This allows students to consider the way laws are decided and how they link to beliefs, values and social ethics.

Following this, students explore the beliefs and values of Christianity and how these might influence and shape our sense of responsibility, in terms of our actions and views of the world. While continuing to look at values and beliefs in action, students will study the religion of Islam. This will cover beliefs and traditions as well as common misconceptions and a focus on community responsibility.

In the final term of Year 8, students study Buddhism. They study the key beliefs and the way in which these influence lives. These are linked to an understanding of the self and general coping mechanisms in everyday life.

Year 9

Students undertake a unit on Human Relationships. This unit includes social, legal and religious elements of human relationships including:
• Friendships
• Family
• Marriage/Civil partnerships
• Sexual relationships
• Contraception
• The roles of men and women and gender equality

Students learn to become more independent in their study and are given opportunities to develop their written and spoken communication skills.

The next unit of work focuses on the media and its influence on a number of topics, such as racism, religion, stereotyping, body image and social norms.

Overview

Our EPD course encourages students to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills to engage in debate and discussion about life in a modern pluralistic society. This includes a study of both religious and non-religious beliefs. The course also encourages students to develop and understand personal values and beliefs, with an emphasis on critical analysis and the ability to construct balanced and informed arguments within the context of religious, philosophical, ethical and social awareness.

KS4 Intent Statement

Qualification Details

Exam Board:
Qualification Title: EPD
Qualification Specification Code:
Qualification Webpage: Click here to visit the webpage for the specification.

Why should I study this course?

The course is part of the core programme and is undertaken by all students. It provides a great opportunity for students to engage with current issues and to develop social, cultural, political, historical and personal awareness. It encourages students to understand who they are as individuals and how to make informed choices. The course helps students to develop personal beliefs and values and a sense of identity. This course is particularly complementary to the GCSE Philosophy and Ethics option.

What knowledge and/or skills will I need?

Students undertake a comparison between science and ethics, with a focus on medical ethics, animal rights and environmental issues and how these impact our personal and social responsibilities. In addition, the EPD course covers important elements of PSHE and SRE including sex and contraception, personal finance and student wellbeing. The content of the course works together with the PSHE programme delivered in tutor time.

What will I study in this qualification?

Students undertake a comparison between science and ethics, with a focus on medical ethics, animal rights and environmental issues and how these impact our personal and social responsibilities. In addition, the EPD course covers important elements of PSHE and SRE including sex and contraception, personal finance and student wellbeing. The content of the course works together with the PSHE programme delivered in tutor time.

How will I be assessed?

This course is assessed through regular written and verbal feedback. There is no formal qualification attached to the course.

Possible Career Paths