Social and Cultural Studies

Social and Cultural Studies in Harton Technology College is delivered through one dynamic and forward looking department. The department teaches three key areas of the curriculum Religious Education, Citizenship and PSHEe. The staff encourage pupils to developed informed opinions and to understand and respect the diverse nature of the society we live in.

The aims of the department are to offer opportunities for pupils to:

• learn, understand and respect different religions, beliefs, values and traditions (including ethical life stances), and understand their influence on individuals, societies, communities and cultures;
• explore issues within, across, between, and outside of faiths and consider questions of meaning and purpose in life;
• learn about religious and ethical teaching, enabling them to make reasoned and informed judgements on religious and moral issues;
• develop their sense of identity and belonging, preparing them for adult life as active and responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society.
• be  confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.
• develop skills of enquiry and response in analysis, expression, reflection, evaluation and application, through the use of distinctive language, listening and empathy.
• become successful learners who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve.

The curriculum gives pupils opportunities to explore a range of issues and to gain insight into the diverse nature of the society in which they live.

Key Stage 3

The course covers:

In Year 7

• Healthy Living
• The Middle East (this project is linked to Connecting Classrooms and is part of a cross curricular programme with MFL
• The Environment
• Local Democracy
• Being British
• Sikhism and the Gurdwara

Year 8

• Health related issues including, tobacco, alcohol and relationships including sex education
• Rights and Responsibilities
•  Justice
• National Government
• Rites of Passage

Year 9

• Origins of the Universe
• The existence of God
• Suffering
• Crime and Punishment
• Drugs
• HIV/AIDS
• Equal Opportunities
• Buddhism

Key Stage 4

Years 10 and 11

The department teaches the following examination course.
EDEXCEL Religion and Life Christianity and Islam (All pupils
EDEXCEL Religion and Society (Some pupils)

Staff

• Mrs K Gillespie, Subject Leader
• Miss S Cassar
• Mrs C McGuigan, part time
• Ms S Reid
• Miss R Sainthouse
• Mrs L V Stephenson, part-time