Curriculum

RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Religious Studies aims to promote religious understanding and appreciation of people from all backgrounds, beliefs and cultures. Religious Studies equips pupils to meet the circumstances of living in modern society, and become good citizens. It promotes a sympathetic understanding of religions, including both those that are locally represented and those which have been formative in the lives of people in the history of the world. Pupils will be challenged with questions about belief, values, meaning, purpose and truth, enabling them to develop their own attitudes towards religious issues. Through Religious Studies, pupils gain an appreciation of how religion, philosophy and ethics form the basis of our culture. They develop analytical and critical thinking skills, the ability to work with abstract ideas, leadership and research skills.
Religious Studies
KS3 KS4 Core

Year 7

  • What is religion?
  • Says who? Sources of authority for religious believers (God, religious leaders and holy books)
  • How do religious believers show commitment to their faith? (identity, worship and rituals)
  • What is God like? With a focus on Christianity and Hinduism

Year 8

  • How do religious believers remember the past? (festivals and pilgrimage)
  • Does it make sense to believe in God?
  • War – What is it good for?
  • Where do we come from?

Year 9

  • Whose world is it anyway?
  • Why do we suffer?
  • Where are we going?
  • Is it ever right to do wrong?
  • Does God exist?
  • Religion and life
  • Alternative faiths
  • Religion and Human rights
  • Genocide
  • Medical Ethics
  • Religion in the media
Assessment

Formal Assessment takes place at the end of each half-term.

Religious Studies (GCSE)
KS4
  • Christian beliefs and practices
  • Islamic beliefs and practices
  • Theme A: Relationships and Families.
  • Theme D: Religion, Peace and Conflict.
  • Theme E: Religion Crime and Punishment
Assessment

Examination Board: AQA

Paper 1A: The Study of Religions: Beliefs, Teachings and Practices
Overview Focus
  • Written exam (1 hour 45 minutes)
  • 96 marks (plus 3 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG))
  • 50% of GCSE
  • Pupils must answer questions on two specified religions (Christianity and Islam).
  • Two compulsory five-part questions are set on each religion.
Paper 2A: Thematic Studies
Overview Focus
  • Written exam (1 hour 45 minutes)
  • 96 marks (plus 5 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG))
  • 50% of GCSE

Pupils must answer a compulsory five-part question on four separate religious, philosophical and ethical studies themes:

  • Theme A: Relationships and Families.
  • Theme D: Religion, Peace and Conflict.
  • Theme E: Religion Crime and Punishment
  • Theme F: Human Rights and Social Justice
Enrichment Offer

The Department offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and organises a range of educational visits throughout the year. Pupils are able to take part in school-wide competitions, as well as representing the Academy in local and national competitions designed to increase their engagement and enhance their subject knowledge. Intervention sessions to consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum progress are at the heart of our delivery model.

Useful Resources and Revision Support