Divinity is at the heart of the curriculum at Saint Martin’s. This is because, as a Catholic school, we believe that one of the most important areas of life is to think about the profound questions of life; exploring the meaning and purpose of what it is to be human.

Divinity is a subject at St Martin’s in which students are challenged to think rationally and support opinions with reasons.  Success demands a strong work ethic – this demand is met by most students through their productive behaviour, sensible participation in discussions and prompt completion of homework.  Students can develop a good understanding of Christianity and other world religions via their Divinity lessons.

Divinity encourages students to adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion enhance their personal, social and cultural development, their understanding of different cultures locally, nationally and in the wider world, and contribute to social and community cohesion reflect on and develop their own values, opinions and attitudes in light of their learning

THE GCSE IN DIVINITY STUDIED AT KS4

GCSE (Exam Board: Eduqas – Route B)
The GCSE in Divinity (Religious Studies) is assessed through three examination
s:Foundational Catholic Theology    37.5% Exam: 1 ½ hours, 90 marks
Applied Catholic Theology              37.5% Exam: 1 ½ hours, 90 marks
Judaism                                               25% Exam: 1 hour, 60 marks

THE COURSE – FOUNDATIONAL CATHOLIC THEOLOGY

Origins and Meanings
Origins and Meanings of the Universe
Beliefs on Creation
The Bible
Forms of Expression in Painting
Forms of Expression and Symbolism
Practices – Catholic Social Teaching – CAFOD, SVP
Good and EvilGood, Evil and Suffering
Trinity
Incarnation
Jesus and Moral Authority
Sculpture and Statuary
Practices – Pilgrimage, Lourdes, Piety
The Year 10 Course

THE COURSE – APPLIED CATHOLIC THEOLOGY

Life and Death
Death and the Afterlife
Eschatology
The Magisterium
Forms of Expression – Artefacts
Forms of Expression – Music
The Funeral Rite
Practices – Prayer in the Catholic CommunitySin and Forgiveness
Crime and Punishment
Redemption
Church
Forms of Expression – Buildings
Sacraments of the Catholic Church
Mission and EvangelisationJudaism
Judaism – Beliefs and Teachings
The Nature of God
Messiah (Mashiach)
Covenant
Life on Earth
The Afterlife
Judaism – Practices

Worship in Britain and Elsewhere
The Synagogue and Daily Life
Rituals
Festivals