Senior Curriculum - Religious Studies

As a school with an Anglican foundation, the study of and participation in Religious Studies is expected of all pupils up to Year 11. The Religious Studies curriculum is planned to explore the places, worship practice, principles, key figures and sacred texts of Judaism, Christianity, Sikhism, Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism. The academic study of religious beliefs is seen not only as an opportunity to excite pupils in exploring religious culture and to assimilate knowledge but also to develop a growing sense of personal reflection and spirituality. An important aim in Religious Studies education is to develop wider skills of research, tolerance, empathy, listening, oral fluency and respect for common human values. 

Religious education curriculum outline

In Year 7, girls' study will cover the following outline topics:

• Rights, responsibilities and initiation
• Signposts to God in the universe
• Religious figures
• Justice and sacrifice
• The environment
• Food
• Journeys and pilgrimage

In Year 8 the outline topics are:

• Judaisim
• The Incarnation
• Sikhism
• Resurrection of Jesus
• Visits to local places of worship

In Year 9 the outline topics are:

• Rules, rights and responsibilities
• Rites of passage
• Death rites and customs
• Origins of the universe
• Suffering
• Buddhism
• Jerusalem

All teaching sessions will make full use of appropriate educational resources, religious artifacts, visits, speakers and ICT and will make reference to news items and contemporary issues.

Religious education – Key Stages 4 – 6

The WJEC course is manageable, relevant and encourages pupils to:

• acquire knowledge of fundamental facts
• explore topical issues
• grow in understanding of the Christian and Islamic faith
• learn skills of analysis and presentation of balanced argument
• develop personal awareness and empathic responses

A GCSE qualification in Religious Studies is widely accepted by employers and Higher Education institutions a providing a firm foundation in an academic discipline and for personal skills in employment.

Topics covered are:

• Religious perspectives on relationships
• Is it fair?  Different kinds of discrimination and prejudice
• Looking for meaning:  how people experience God, reasons for belief and sanctity of life
• Identity and belonging - the experience of being a member of a faith community
• Our world - religious and scientific views on the origins of the world

The AS and A2 Level courses are open to anyone with an interest in people, cultures and beliefs, who would like to learn more about world faiths, study the philosophy and ethics of religion and undertake a personal in-depth study of a topic area through coursework.  We follow the Edexcel 8562 course.

Candidates should embark on the courses with:

• a commitment to the subject based on careful consideration of the content given at interview
• GCSE English
• GCSE Religious Studies
• willingness to explore, argue, challenge and read widely