Religious Education and Sociology

Staffing list:

Mr Hughes – Head of RE and Sociology
Miss Pynigar – Teacher of RE and Sociology
Mr Colburn – Teacher of RE and Sociology
Mrs Whyte – Head of History and Teacher of RE
Miss Tymon – Teacher of History and RE
Miss Sutherland – Teacher of History and RE
Miss Huggins – Teacher of History and RE
Miss Foote – Teacher of Geography and RE
Mr Redman – Cover Supervisor and Teacher of RE
Miss Barber – Cover Supervisor and Teacher of RE

Image shows the Swanmore RE and Sociology department logo with symbols from a variety of religions

To contact a member of the department, please email sociology-help@swanmore-sec.hants.sch.uk

Vision statement:

“Exploring beliefs, society, and human connections”

Pupils in RE and Sociology will foster a love of theology, philosophy and society through passionate and well-planned teaching based on secure subject knowledge of the teacher.

At the heart of all, focusing on reducing the attainment gap between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged students will drive departmental decision making and strategy on a daily and long-term basis. All pupils will be challenged to achieve the best that they are capable of, inspiring a passion for RE and Sociology.

The department will aim to build, maintain, and grow a continuing collaborative culture of excellence based on mutual respect and a desire to improve where all departmental colleagues are committed to succeeding in assisting curious young minds to flourish in RE and Sociology.

Image shows a Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi with a low sun behind it, reflected on the water in front of it

Subject curriculum:

Years 7, 8 and 9 RE – (Key Stage 3) Overview
Years 10 and 11:
- (Key Stage 4) Overview - Religious Studies (Core)
- (Key Stage 4) Overview - Sociology

Y9 Options:

Click on the subject name below to visit the Year 9 options page.

Image shows a pedestrian area from above with people walking, sitting and eating

Key dates

Actual dates for these events will be published on the website and via SwanBites:

GCSE Religious Studies trip to Titchfield Mosque – November/December
GCSE Religious Studies trip to Winchester Cathedral – March

A wide daytime view of Winchester Cathedral, showing the large Gothic stone façade with tall arched windows and twin spires, set against a blue sky, with people walking across the cathedral close and trees framing the scene.

Resources to help you support your child with their studies:

RE:

GCSE Religious Studies textbook
BBC Bitesize: KS3 Religious Studies
BBC Bitesize: GCSE Religious Studies (KS4)
RE:ONLINE - Resources on world religions, philosophy, and ethics, including articles and interactive activities.

Sociology

GCSE Sociology textbook
Only Sociology
BBC Bitesize: Sociology – Clear explanations, quizzes, and revision guides.
Tutor2U Sociology – Covers key topics, revision notes, videos, and exam tips.
ReviseSociology – Summaries of sociological theories, case studies, and key concepts.

Get involved with RE and Sociology at home:

RE:

You can foster a love of Religious Education (RE) by encouraging open discussions about different beliefs and worldviews at home. Visiting local sites such as Romsey Abbey or Quarr Abbey can bring RE to life, offering real-world insights into faith and history.

Engaging with books, films, and documentaries about religion, philosophy, and ethics can make learning more relatable. You can also attend interfaith events or talks at local community centres, libraries, or universities, such as the University of Winchester, to deepen your own understanding and share experiences with your children.

Encouraging critical thinking through debates on moral and ethical issues, using real-world examples, helps children see the relevance of RE in daily life. By fostering curiosity, respect, and open-minded discussion, you can help your children develop a lasting appreciation for RE and its importance in a diverse society.

Sociology:

You can foster a love of Sociology by encouraging discussions about social issues, inequality, and cultural change. Watching documentaries, reading news articles, and listening to podcasts on topics like crime, education, and the media can help children see Sociology’s relevance in everyday life.

Visiting local institutions such as Winchester’s museums, community organisations, or courtrooms can provide real-world insights into social structures and justice. Engaging in debates about current events helps develop critical thinking and analytical skills.

You can also support your child’s studies by discussing sociological perspectives on family, education, and work, linking theory to real-life experiences. Encouraging independent research, such as investigating local social policies, can deepen their understanding.

By promoting curiosity, critical thinking, and open discussion, you can help your children develop a lasting appreciation for Sociology and its impact on society.

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