Religious Education Inspiring pupils to engage with life's big questions Go Go Our Religious Studies Curriculum intends to: Inspire pupils to engage with life's big questions. Enable pupils to investigate religions and world views through varied experiences, approaches and disciplines. Enable pupils to reflect on the ideas of others and express their own ideas with increasing creativity and clarity and be able to consider how beliefs have an impact on individuals and communities. Our Religious Education curriculum aims to inspire all pupils to engage with life's big questions. We encourage all pupils to think deeply, creativity and to challenge each other's assumptions and misconceptions. Our aim is for all pupils to be able to develop an acceptance of a wide range of faiths and to develop an understanding of different cultures and belief systems. RE is provided for all pupils in our school through dedicated curriculum time and as part of our wider programme of Personal Development. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from RE and if you would like to do so, we welcome a discussion with you. Please use the contact@westgate.hants.sch.uk email address marked "FAO the Senior Leader responsible for Curriculum - RE". Why Learn RE? Religion and beliefs inform our values and are reflected in what we say and how we behave. RE is an important subject, developing an individual's knowledge and understanding of the religions and beliefs which form part of contemporary society. Religious education enquiry provokes challenging questions about ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong, and what it means to be human. It can develop pupils' knowledge and understanding of Christianity, of other principles religions, other religious traditions and worldviews that offer answers to various questions. In the Primary Phase our RE learning is contextualised through a range of religious traditions including: Christian Traditions, Jewish Traditions, Sikhi Traditions, Buddhist Traditions, Islamic Traditions and non-religious viewpoints. We also recognise that everyone's experiences are different and our cycles of enquiry reflect differences within Religious Traditions . The Religious Education course in the secondary phase involves learning about two major world religions, Christianity and Islam, and looks at their beliefs and practices, their customs and traditions, their festivals and holy days. We also learn different ethical perspectives. RE Compliance Document EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content The RE curriculum follows Hampshire's syllabus, ‘Living Difference’, reflecting mainly Christian traditions of Great Britain whilst taking account of the teaching and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain. In Key Stage 1 we teach RE through a cyclical approach following a 'Cycle of Enquiry'. We teach Key Concepts that link directly to children's own experiences and are contextualised within a variety of religious traditions. Year R: Christian, Jewish and Hindu Traditions. Autumn Term: Celebrating birthdays. Spring Term: Special clothes for Christians and Hindus. Eggs as a symbol of the empty tomb and new life. Summer Term: Celebrations and Shabbat. Managing new situations, looking forwards Year 1: Christian, Hindu and Sikhi Traditions. Autumn Term: Ganesha is special to Hindus. Remembering using an Advent Wreath. Spring Term: Stories Jesus told. Changing emotions during the Christian Easter story. Summer Term: Birth stories and celebrations. Church as a community. Year 2: Christian, Sikhi and Hindu Traditions. Autumn Term: Brahman the creator and creation stories. Elizabeth, Mary and the Magi believed. Autumn Term: Community in the Sikhi Faith. Christian Baptisms and other initiations. Summer Term: Krishna’s birthday Janmashtami. Love for enemies, linking to the civil rights movement. The RE curriculum follows Hampshire's syllabus, ‘Living Difference’, reflecting mainly Christian traditions of Great Britain whilst taking account of the teaching and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain. In Key Stage 2 we teach RE through a cyclical approach following a 'Cycle of Enquiry'. We teach Key Concepts that link directly to children's own experiences and are contextualised within a variety of religious traditions. Year 3: Christian, Buddhist and Jewish Traditions Autumn Term: The Buddha’s journey of enlightenment. Hannukah – A Jewish celebration. Spring Term: Giving and generosity. Holy Week journey – Peter’s journey Summer Term: Buddhism around the world. Hope and change step by step in our lives. Year 4: Christian, Buddhist and Jewish Traditions Autumn Term: “I teach suffering, its origin, cessation and path. That’s all I teach.” declared the Buddha. The people were hoping for a rescuer – Jesus the rescuer. Spring Term: Loyalty – 1. To God 2. To others. Symbols in Christian Traditions. Summer Term: Peace - The Buddha Rupa. Food Rituals in Jewish Traditions . Year 5: Christian, Islamic and Jewish Traditions Autumn Term: Who is the prophet and why is he special to Muslims. Christian Traditions. Magi/Isaiah – Fortune Tellers today. Spring Term: Jewish Traditions – Purim. The Eucharist. Summer Term: Sacred Places. Jesus as a leader. Year 6: Christian, Islamic and Jewish Traditions Autumn Term: Belonging to the community in Islam Angels. Spring Term: Prayer – Including the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus in Art. Summer Term: Exploring the concept of prophet-hood and how it is contextualised within Islam. How rites of passage are marked in other religious traditions and cultures. Year 7 course content: 1. Ethical Thinking Pupils will discuss different ethical theories and begin to engage with the RE intent. 2. What is it like to be a Muslim in the 21st century? Pupils look at concepts such as Umma, Hajj and Jihad and they will explore misconceptions within the Islamic faith. 3. Is Christianity Relevant today? Pupils discuss important concepts within the Christian tradition and discuss whether it still has a place today, including looking at Christmas and Easter. Year 8 course content: 1. What is it like to be Jewish Today? Pupils discuss different concepts and explore what it means to be Jewish, including Brit Milah and the Covenant. 2. How does the Media portray how we think about Religion? Pupils explore different ideas about what the media thinks about religion and discuss Humanism as well as how Religion is shown in films and television. 3. Can Meditation help people overcome suffering? (Buddhism) Pupils will discuss Buddhism and think about concepts such as suffering and enlightenment. They will assess whether meditation can help people to overcome suffering. RE is provided for all pupils in our school through dedicated curriculum time and, as part of our wider programme of Personal Development. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from RE and if you would like to do so, we welcome a discussion with you. Please use the contact@westgate.hants.sch.uk email address marked "FAO the Senior Leader responsible for Curriculum - RE". Year 9 Course Content: Course skills:  Topic 1- Does Religion bring Justice? (Human rights and Social Justice) Pupils will reflect on different Human rights-based issues in society. Topic 2 - Did God break is side of the covenant when he allowed the Holocaust to happen? Pupils will learn about the Holocaust in depth and they will assess different philosophical questions surrounding the Holocaust. Topic 3- Can religion offer an answer to everyday issues? Pupils will consider the concept of agape and unconditional love and they will apply this to medical ethics-based issues.  Pupils will be evaluating the concept of agape and the sanctity of human life and considering whether all human life is special and sacred and will be analysing the impact on individuals and society. Year 10 CORE - taught to all pupils Religion and Identity. Matters of Life Sport. Religion Beliefs in Society. Year 11 CORE at Tutor time: ‘Engaging with Life’s big questions What do Christians believe about the death penalty? Should Sharia Law be upheld? Is prison an effective punishment? What do Christians believe about crime? What are seen as the roles of men and women in Islam? To what extent has the equal pay act helped women? Does Gender discrimination still exist in Islam? Is Marriage still valued in the 21st century? What do Religions believe? Arranged (Sham) marriages. Can they work? Can men and women do the same jobs effectively? What does Christianity teach about peace? Does Christianity allow war? Should all countries have the right to have nuclear weapons? Who am I? What does it mean to be Human? Are Humans and Animals equal in Christianity? What is the meaning of life? Can Religion be the main part of someone’s identity? Can we have multiple identities? What is an ultimate question? Morality is a social construct. Objectively, there is no right or wrong. What does Islam teach about wealth? Do people always use their money wisely? Should they? Do we have a moral duty to help others? What do Christians believe about Euthanasia? Should we have the right to make decisions for others? What does Judaism teach about this? When does life begin in Hinduism? Is death the end or the beginning? What do Christians believe about this GCSE Course Content: Course skills:  Formal essay writing skills/ exam practice Writing to describe / explain  Skills of analysis, interpretation and evaluation. Ability to interpret different ethics and beliefs. Course content:  We follow the AQA syllabus for GCSE Religious Enquiry. The course involves the learning about two major world religions, Christianity and Islam and looks at their beliefs and practices, their customs and traditions, their festivals and holy days. We also learn different ethical perspectives: A study of Islam to include holy books, Muhammad, the Sects, festivals, the 5 pillars, worship, different beliefs. A study of Christianity to include worship, the nature of God, creation, the crucifixion, life after death, worship, pilgrimage, festivals, world poverty. Families and Relationships - sexuality, marriage, contraception, divorce, gender equality, the nature of families. Religion, Peace and Conflict - terrorism, reasons for war, conflict, nuclear war, Holy war, just war. Crime and Punishment - reasons for crime, causes of crime, law breakers, the death penalty, forgiveness. Religion and Life issues - the origins of the universe, abortion, euthanasia, animals, death and the after-life. Assessment: Paper 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity and Islam. This is assessed in a 105 minute exam. Paper 2: Two r eligious, philosophical and ethical studies themes and two textual studies themes. This is also assessed in a 105 minute exa m Home Learning: Weekly Home Learning will be set in a range of formats: PEA paragraph practice, content learning, and reading around the topic, key word learning, and exam practice. Exam Board: AQA - 8062 Our Curriculum Curriculum Intent Options Careers Employers Curriculum Subjects Art | Fine Art Computing | Computer Science English Design Technology Drama Food Preparation & Nutrition French Geography German History Latin Maths Media Studies Music Personal Development Photography Physical Education Religious Education Science Sculpture Spanish The Wellbeing Curriculum

En garde! Join our School Fencing Club and dive into the exciting world of swordplay. Fencing Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Fencing Internal / External External Age Range Year 3 - 5 Contact jdsportscoaching@gmail.com En garde! Join this externally run Fencing Club and dive into the exciting world of swordplay. It’s a fantastic way to develop agility, strategy, and sportsmanship. Whether you’re a novice or have some experience, this club offers a supportive environment to learn and practice the art of fencing. Suit up, and let’s parry and thrust our way to fun and fitness! Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

When school’s out, SportSkool’s in – and running a holiday club near you! Throughout the week, your child could be taught a variety of top sports. Sportskool Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Sportskool Internal / External External Age Range 5 and 13 years Contact Holiday Clubs | Sport Skool When school’s out, SportSkool’s in – and running a holiday club near you! Throughout the week, your child could be taught a variety of top sports by qualified, DBS-checked and fully insured SportSkool coaches. It is hard to pin down exactly what multi-sports involves as the children will be taken on a whistle-stop tour of the sporting world with coaches specialising in, among others: dodgeball, cricket, street games, football, dance, benchball, tag-rugby and cheerleading What we offer Multi-sport holiday clubs are available during all school holidays, for children aged between 5 and 13 years old. Classes take place from 10am to 3pm and extra child-care is available from 8.30am and until 5.30pm for those that require it. Holiday clubs are almost always fully-booked so contact us as soon as possible to avoid disappointment! Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Reach out to The Westgate School in Winchester for inquiries, visits, and more information about our outstanding educational offerings. Contact Contact The Westgate School, Cheriton Road, Winchester, SO22 5AZ | 01962 854757 Safeguarding Information Contact Form - Full Screen Opening Hours: The school office is open to visitors from 8.20am until 4.00pm. Contractors/Deliveries outside these hours, please contact the Site Team on 07546 003657 Reporting Absences: Please use EduLink to report pupil absences. For all other urgent enquiries, please call our main reception between 9.00am - 3.30pm. The receptionist will, if possible, put you through to the relevant person or log your call and pass it on. Calls may be recorded for quality and training purposes. Correspondence: We endeavour to respond to emails within three school working days from receipt. This is because the matter may need investigation or indeed, because colleagues are engaged in teaching/working with pupils. Any requests for meetings will be co-ordinated by the School. Unfortunately, owing to the need to co-ordinate diaries when colleagues are teaching, electronic meeting invites from parents cannot be accepted. Please use the usual contact routes to request a meeting. We appreciate your understanding and partnership. Contact the right person: For parents of secondary phase pupils, your main contact will be your child's Tutor and then Year Leaders for more serious or pastoral matters. For parents of primary phase pupils, your main contact will be your child's class teacher. Executive Headteacher: Mrs Dean Head of School: Mrs Edwards Chair of Governors: Mrs Catchpole Data Protection Officer: Mr Pay Careers Enquiries: Mr Hurley Safeguarding Information: If your concern pertains to a matter of child safety, please do not hesitate to call the School Office (01962 854757) and ask to speak to: Your child’s Year Leader (Secondary Phase) Primary Phase: Mrs Edwards Mr Pearce, Deputy Headteacher, Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead Mrs Fyvie-Rae, Associate Senior Leader, Designated Safeguarding Lead Mrs Evans, Deputy Headteacher, Senior DSL All-Through Further details are available on our Safeguarding Page Alternatively, please send an email using 'CHILD SAFETY' as the title to safeguarding@westgate.hants.sch.uk Please note this account is monitored during school open hours, term time only. If you have a concern about child safety out of hours and term time contact Children’s Services on 0300 555 1384 or the Police on 101 (non emergency) or 999 (emergency) Further details on reporting child abuse can be found here Hampshire County Council: Reporting Child Abuse For Pupils Emails are not monitored during the holidays so adults in school will not receive your email. If you are in immediate need of support, then you should tell an adult you trust. You can also call a service such as Childline 0800 1111; Samaritans 116123; Kooth - Home - Kooth ; Police 101 or in an emergency dial 999. SEN Information: If your child has a Special Educational Need and you would like to discuss this with our SENCO. Please use our contact form on this page using the option SEND marked for the attention of Mrs A. Villien. Information on SEN provision can be found in the SEN Report within the statutory Information page Community lettings / Facilities Hire Explore facility hire at The Westgate School. Ideal for events, sports, and meetings with modern amenities. Flexible scheduling and competitive rates. More details can be found on our Community Lettings page. Book now! Home Our School Headteacher's Welcome Ofsted Safeguarding Statutory Information | SEND Policies Admissions Governance Pupil Premium | Catch-up Statement Vacancies School News Calendar & Open Events Contact

Exam Information Examinations at The Westgate School The school uses a wide range of assessment techniques to monitor pupil progress and help ensure all children continue to move forwards with their learning. In addition to classroom-based assessment and tests, at key times throughout their secondary school journey pupils will take more formal mock examinations - these are a vital way of preparing pupils for what they will experience in their real GCSEs. They help children develop their revision skills; their time management; their emotional resilience within exam conditions; as well as their exam technique - and they provide teachers will invaluable information which we use to inform our curriculum planning in the months leading up to the GCSE exams. Pupils will sit formal mock examinations in: The summer term of Year 10 (after the Year 11 GCSEs are finished) The autumn term of Year 11 (a few weeks before the Christmas holidays) February of Year 11 for English, Maths and Science only Exact timetables will be published to pupils in the build-up to each exam series and can be found below. Tutors and colleagues within school will work with pupils to reassure, support and prepare them for these mock examinations, and parents will be provided with information in our Partners in Learning events throughout the year. Attendance at exams Attendance is vital in this last year. Every day missed has an effect and poor attendance clearly affects results. Even more important is ensuring that pupils attend all examinations and arrive in good time to ensure that they are mentally prepared to walk into their exams and achieve their best. We work closely with our Attendance Manager, and penalty issues may be issued, should attendance be poor. Revision It is vital that you help and support your child plan and structure revision time, ensuring the build-up to both Mock exams and the real GCSEs is used effectively. There are additional resources on how parents can support their child with revision on EduLink, in the Noticeboard tab. Work and wellbeing Year 11 can be a stressful year as pupils prepare for their examinations. We follow a programme in Tutor time which tries to anticipate possible issues in terms of stress. Possible helpful site: anxietyuk.org.uk - exam-stress Exam Dates 2025-26 GCSE Timetable Summer 2026 AI Poster Coursework assessments Guidance for parents, carers and students about access arrangements Information for Candidates | Privacy Notice Non-examination assessments On-screen tests Preparing to sit your exams Using social media and examinations/assessments Unauthorised items poster Written examinations Warning to candidates Home Parents & Pupils School Teaching Hours Exam Information Edulink PSA Pupil Portal School Uniform Authorised Absence Request Medicines & Treatment Consent Form

Sewing Bee Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Sewing Bee Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 9 Contact See Edulink for details All welcome! Come and learn to sew something simple. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Join the Westgate Fantasy Football club and discuss all things football. All Things Fantasy Football Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings All Things Fantasy Football Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Joining a fantasy football club is a fantastic way to enhance your enjoyment of the sport and connect with others who share your passion. Here are some compelling reasons to join: Build New Friendships : Fantasy football clubs are a great way to meet new people and form lasting friendships. The shared excitement and competition create strong bonds among members. Engage with the Game : Fantasy football adds a new layer of excitement to watching games. Sharpen Your Skills : Managing a fantasy football team involves strategy, research, and decision-making. It’s a fun way to improve your analytical skills and deepen your understanding of the sport. Friendly Competition : Competing against friends. Stay Updated : Being part of a fantasy football club keeps you informed about player performances, injuries, and team news. It’s a great way to stay engaged with the latest happenings in the football world. Enjoyment and Entertainment : Above all, fantasy football is about having fun. It’s a great way to enjoy the sport you love in a new and interactive way. So why not give it a try? Join a fantasy football club today and experience the excitement and camaraderie for yourself! Have you thought about which league you might want to join? Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Joining a chess club is a smart move! It’s a great way to enhance your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Chess Club Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Chess Club Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Joining a chess club is a smart move! It’s a great way to enhance your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. You’ll meet fellow enthusiasts, engage in challenging matches, and be part of a community that shares your passion for the game. Plus, it’s a fun and intellectually stimulating way to spend your time. Checkmate Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Come and find out how we can make a real difference to charities in our locality and across the world. We are a very active group , with lots of members. Charity Group Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Charity Group Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Come and find out how we can make a real difference to charities in our locality and across the world. We are a very active group , with lots of members. We fundraise and help the school consider other people in need as well as animals. Lots of opportunities to suggest ideas, fund raise in all sorts of ways, organise events, do publicity, give assemblies, work with Lower School and meet new people. We meet in A10 every fortnight 1.15 to 1.45. Bring your lunch and come and join us. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Discover tranquility and focus with our CHILLAX club. CHILLAX Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings CHILLAX Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Discover tranquility and focus with our CHILLAX, designed especially for pupils. Join us to enhance your well-being, improve concentration, and find your inner calm amidst the school hustle. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Join our book club to explore diverse genres, share insights, and connect with fellow readers! Open to all, for engaging discussions and fun events. Book Club Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Book Club Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 8 Contact See EduLink for further details An opportunity to talk about your favourite books and to make recommendations to other keen readers. Each month we will read and discuss a different book or author. If you are the sort of person who likes reading and discussing books in a friendly environment over a biscuit, this is the club for you! Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Join us where learning Mandarin is an exciting and rewarding endeavour. Mandarin Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Mandarin Internal / External External Age Range Year 3 - 6 Contact winnchestermandarin@gmail.com This is an externally run club. The course is run by a qualified Mandarin teacher. There is a cost of £13 per hour. Learning Mandarin is an exciting and rewarding endeavour. As the most widely spoken language in the world, Mandarin offers a gateway to a rich cultural heritage and countless opportunities for communication and connection. Although it may initially seem challenging due to its complex writing system and tonal nature, the journey of learning Mandarin opens doors to a vibrant world of literature, music, film, and business. Embracing Mandarin not only enhances one's linguistic abilities but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese customs, traditions, and perspectives. With dedication and practice, the study of Mandarin can lead to new friendships, expanded horizons, and a profound sense of accomplishment. Beginners: open to children from year 3-11 who have never learnt any Mandarin. Intermediates: open to children from year 3-11 who have finished level 1. Advanced: open to those who have completed the Intermediate level. Clubs run on different days depending on ability, please use the contact details provided to find out more. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go