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RS - Religious Studies

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 world views to develop an understanding of the differences and commonalities between people and communities. Students will 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 work and world around them.  Assessments challenge students, requiring them to draw on academic knowledge to think deeply and analytically. Students have high expectations of themselves, supported by a rigorous and knowledge-rich curriculum, so they are inspired to continue to be involved in education and questioning the world around them.

Enterprising, creative contributors:

Students are required to read subject specific texts and present their informed views and opinions, demonstrating a high level of oracy and literacy. All students are given a well-rounded religious, personal and social education encouraging them to reflect on their own beliefs as well as those in the world around them. Rich student experiences are offered to students to develop deeper and more valuable discussions of religious, philosophical and ethical concepts.                                                                                                                                           

Healthy, confident, ethically informed citizens:

Lessons include a variety of approaches to inclusive teaching and learning, allowing students to develop a positive attitude and enjoy their learning.  British values and SMSC are naturally embedded in RS, high quality teaching does not shy away from challenging topics at the age appropriate times.  World views, cultural diversity, identity and religion are taught to enable all students to develop awareness, respect and consideration of others regardless of their backgrounds.

Wise and adaptable individuals

Religious Studies allows a safe place to explore and understand other cultures, beliefs and identities.  All children are made in the image of God, and they are all precious whatever their belief and identities.  Students are encouraged to be welcoming and caring towards all human kind demonstrating wisdom through their learning.  They are actively encouraged to look for, create and take their place in 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 a key question: Where do beliefs come from? They consider what it means to be human, both physically and spiritually, and reflect on how beliefs have shaped human understanding across time and cultures.

The year continues with an introduction to Judaism, focusing on key traditions, stories, and identity. Students then move on to study the miracles of Jesus, asking how these stories have influenced Christian belief. Later in the year, students explore the core teachings of Buddhism and Sikhism, developing their ability to compare beliefs and values across world religions.

Finally, they engage with parables—the moral stories told by Jesus—to develop interpretative and evaluative skills. Throughout Year 7, students are encouraged to question, reflect, and build the foundations for philosophical thinking and ethical discussion.

 

                                                                             

Year 8

Year 8 challenges students to think more deeply about faith, identity, and society. They begin by exploring What is good or challenging about being a teenage Muslim?; looking at real-life experiences and Islamic beliefs in the modern world. This leads into the Game Changers unit, where students explore how religious and spiritual beliefs have inspired individuals to act with courage, conviction, and compassion.

Students then investigate the question Who is God?; engaging with a range of theological ideas from different religions, followed by a unit on religious responses to war, where they consider themes like peace, justice, and forgiveness.

In the summer term, students explore religious creation stories alongside scientific perspectives, encouraging thoughtful discussion about faith and reason. The year concludes with an in-depth study of Hinduism, where students explore the beliefs, deities, and practices of one of the world’s oldest religions.

By the end of Year 8, students will have developed the skills to evaluate different viewpoints, ask big questions about the world, and reflect on their role in the wider community.

                                                                                                                                                                 

Year 9

 

Students will begin to deepen their knowledge and further develop the skills needed for GCSE.  They will explore topics such as religion and conflict and medical ethics as an introduction to the GCSE thematic studies. Throughout these topics, students will have opportunities to debate and discuss, leading to a greater understanding of a variety of moral responses. This will support students to develop their own opinions and their ability to appraise the arguments of others, a key skill needed for GCSE. Students will continue to develop their knowledge of wider beliefs and practices through the study of Sikhism and Buddhism, also completing their study of the 6 main world religions. Students will end the year by exploring festivals from a range of religions and places around the world. This will continue to encourage and develop students' awareness of a rich variety of cultures, practices and lived experiences. 

Key stage 4

 

In Year 10 and 11, students will follow a GCSE in Religious Studies supported by the skills and knowledge developed during KS3. Students will study a range of beliefs, practices and themes through the philosophical, sociological and theological lenses. The course covers two components: component 1 which is the study of Christianity and Islam beliefs, teachings and practices; component 2 is thematic studies looking at 'religion and families', 'religion and life', 'peace and conflict' and 'crime and punishment'.  There are two exams both lasting 1hr 45m, both counting for 50% of the final grade.        

St Andrews -13
St Andrews -14
St Andrews -17
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