Religious Education
Intent Statement
- To develop reflective, confident and empathetic learners
In Religious Studies, students learn to respect and value the beliefs of others whilst developing their own beliefs and opinions. Students achieve this by engaging with worldviews to develop an understanding of the differences and commonalities between people and communities. Students debate philosophical and ethical concepts to develop a moral response to the world.
Our Religious Studies curriculum is closely linked to our whole school intent.
- Ambitious, capable learners ready to learn throughout their lives
Students studying Religious Studies are challenged to have the highest aspirations for themselves and others, to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible to enable them to understand the world around them. Assessments challenge students, requiring them to draw upon academic knowledge to think deeply, critically and analytically. Students have high expectations of themselves, supported by a rigorous and knowledge-rich curriculum, enabling them to explore religion and worldviews through theological, philosophical and ethical enquiry. They are inspired to continue questioning, learning and engaging with the world throughout their lives.
- Enterprising, creative contributors
Students are required to read subject-specific texts and present informed views and opinions, demonstrating a high level of literacy and oracy. All students receive a well-rounded religious, personal and social education that encourages them to reflect upon both their own beliefs and the beliefs and worldviews of others. Rich learning experiences enable students to engage in increasingly sophisticated discussions surrounding religious, philosophical and ethical concepts, developing the confidence to communicate respectfully and thoughtfully with others.
- Healthy, confident, ethically informed citizens
Lessons include a variety of inclusive teaching and learning approaches, allowing students to develop positive attitudes towards learning whilst feeling confident to explore challenging ideas. British Values and SMSC are naturally embedded throughout the curriculum, with high-quality teaching addressing complex issues at appropriate stages of students' development. Religion, worldviews, cultural diversity, identity and ethics are explored to enable students to develop awareness, empathy and respect for others regardless of background, belief or culture.
- Wise and adaptable individuals
Religious Studies provides a safe environment in which students can explore and understand different cultures, beliefs and identities. Students are encouraged to reflect upon their own beliefs and values whilst developing an appreciation of the diverse worldviews that exist within modern society. All children are made in the image of God, and they are all precious whatever their beliefs or identities. Students are encouraged to be welcoming and caring towards all humankind, demonstrating wisdom through their learning. They are actively encouraged to look for, create and take their place within the wider community whilst understanding their responsibilities towards others.
Key stage 3
Year 7
In Year 7, students begin their Religious Studies journey by exploring one of humanity's biggest questions: Where do beliefs come from? They investigate what it means to be human, considering both physical and spiritual perspectives before exploring how beliefs and worldviews shape individuals and communities.
Students are introduced to Judaism before exploring the miracles and parables of Jesus and their significance within Christianity. They continue by studying Buddhism and Sikhism, developing an understanding of beliefs, practices and lived experiences whilst recognising both similarities and differences across religions.
Throughout the year, students develop the disciplinary skills of questioning, interpretation and reflection, encouraging them to think critically about religion, belief and morality while beginning to form their own informed viewpoints. By the end of Year 7, students have established the knowledge and enquiry skills that underpin future Religious Studies learning.
Year 8
Building upon Year 7, students explore how religion and worldviews influence people's lives in contemporary society. They investigate what is good and challenging about being a teenage Muslim, considering lived experiences alongside Islamic beliefs and practices.
Students then study inspirational individuals whose beliefs have changed the world through the Game Changers unit before exploring differing understandings of Who is God? They examine religious responses to war, considering concepts such as peace, justice, forgiveness and reconciliation before investigating religious and scientific perspectives on creation.
The year concludes with the study of Hinduism, enabling students to complete their exploration of Christianity and the five other principal religions represented in Great Britain. By the end of Year 8, students have developed a secure understanding of the diversity of religion and worldviews, providing a strong foundation for GCSE study.
Year 9
Year 9 acts as a bridge between Key Stage 3 and AQA GCSE Religious Studies, allowing students to deepen both their knowledge and analytical skills. Students explore contemporary ethical and philosophical issues through units such as Animal Ethics and Medical Ethics, applying religious teachings and beliefs to real-world issues.
Throughout these enquiries, students evaluate differing viewpoints, construct balanced arguments and justify their own conclusions using evidence from religious traditions.
By the end of Key Stage 3, students are confident in explaining religious beliefs, evaluating ethical issues and engaging respectfully with different perspectives, preparing them successfully for the demands of GCSE Religious Studies.
Key stage 4
At Key Stage 4, students study AQA GCSE Religious Studies, building upon the knowledge, understanding and enquiry skills developed throughout Key Stage 3.
Students study two religions in depth, Christianity and Islam, exploring their beliefs, teachings and practices. Alongside this, students investigate four thematic studies:
- Relationships and Families
- Religion and Life
- Peace and Conflict
- Crime and Punishment
Throughout the course, students examine philosophical, ethical and theological issues from a range of religious and non-religious perspectives. They learn to interpret religious teachings and sources of wisdom, analyse differing viewpoints and construct balanced, evidence-based arguments.
The course develops students' critical thinking, evaluation, literacy and communication skills, preparing them for further study, employment and life within an increasingly diverse and interconnected society.
Assessment consists of two 1 hour 45 minute written examinations, each worth 50% of the final GCSE grade.
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