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Religious and Values Education (R.A.V.E.) Mrs. R Meharg (Curriculum Leader) Religious and Values Education (R.A.V.E.) offers an integrated approach to Religious Education, Personal, Social and Health Education and Citizenship, all of which are compulsory parts of the curriculum. The Religious Education component is determined by the Sefton Agreed Syllabus. This maintains a balance between Christianity and the other main faiths found in the U.K. It is the aim of Religious Education to contribute to the religious, spiritual, moral, cultural and personal development of all students through an honest and disciplined exploration of religious concepts, attitudes and behaviour. It is not the intention of Religious Education to promote the beliefs and practices of one ideal, religion or denomination. The Department strives to present all faiths with sensitivity. In this way, students can be secure in their own beliefs and develop tolerance and respect for the rights of other people to believe and practise their own religion and also the rights of people not to believe or practise a religion. A variety of teaching strategies are used to secure progress according to each student’s individual needs. Students’ thinking skills are developed through activities including discussion and creative work, presentations, projects, simulations, visits and supported self-study. Homework is set regularly and assessment and review of progress is an integral part of each unit of work. Parents receive regular feedback throughout the year regarding their child’s progress. All students go on to study GCSE Religious Studies at Key Stage 4, a qualification regarded highly in an increasingly multicultural and multifaith society. An Advanced Level course is also offered which involves a study of Religious Ethics and Buddhism. The Personal, Social and Health Education and Citizenship components complement the work done in Religious Education lessons, and are designed to equip the student to take responsibility for their own lifestyle and prepare for future learning and decision making. PSHE lessons promote the mental, physical and emotional well-being of students. Careers lessons play an important part in preparing students to make decisions about the career options open to them. Letter writing, the completion of application forms and interviewing techniques all receive considerable attention. Careers information lessons take place in the well-stocked Careers Centre. A very extensive library of careers resources, including directories, pamphlets, job files and videos is available, and is widely used. Visits to colleges are arranged for taster sessions. Two weeks’ work experience is also arranged for students during Year 10. Groups of students from Years 9 and 11 have opportunities to attend University Summer School schemes. The Connexions Advisor is available at Parents’ Evenings and during school time to help Key Stage 4 and 5 students with career choices. Parents may request to withdraw their child from the Religious and/or Sex Education programmes of study by contacting the Curriculum Leader for R.A.V.E. |