Ethics and Philosophy
Our aim is that students will develop a love and appreciation of Ethics by:
Enthusing students to engage in systematic enquiry into significant human questions which religion and diverse worldviews address, so that they can develop and understand the skills needed to appreciate varied responses to these questions as well as develop responses of their own and grow in their own worldview.
This will be achieved through studying a well-sequenced, knowledge-rich Curriculum by selection, not restriction of content, that students can recall through varied and frequent practice, using strategies such as: quizzing, multiple choice, speed mind-mapping in the classroom through whole class ‘choral’ recall.
Powerful knowledge will be recalled to enable our students to discuss with rigour, at an academic level the plethora of worldwide beliefs, ideas and opinions that they themselves may fervently disagree to but that the contextualised and challenging curriculum, will allow students to be able to draw upon the powerful knowledge gained in the classroom and be able to offer a personal rhetoric that would demonstrate ‘logical chains of reasoning’ that are both considered and compassionate which are pertinent to the subject.
The ambitious Ethics and Philosophy curriculum will provide the access and confidence our students must acquire to enable them to join the on-going debates of life beyond the classroom as they move through their teenage years into adult life. Our students deserve to enjoy their learning and truly believe they have something to offer to the next generation.
Parental right to withdraw children from RE
The right of parents to withdraw their children from religious education (RE, known at Icknield High School as Ethics and Philosophy) lessons is set out in section 71(1) of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.
A parent of a student at an academy can request that their child is wholly or partly excused from:
- Receiving RE given in the school in accordance with the school’s basic curriculum
- Attendance at religious worship in the school.
Parents who withdraw their child from all or part of the school’s RE (Ethics and Philosophy) curriculum do not have to provide a reason. The school must comply with their request, although a school should ensure parents or carers are informed of this right and are aware of the educational objectives and content of the RE (Ethics and Philosophy) syllabus.
If students are withdrawn from RE (Ethics and Philosophy), schools have a duty to supervise them, though not to provide additional teaching or to incur extra cost. Students will usually remain on school premises. Parents are not permitted to supervise their child during these lessons.
If you think you would like to discuss withdrawing your child from RE lessons, please contact the school at info@icknield.beds.sch.uk for the attention of the Head Teacher.
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4