Religious Studies
Key Stage 3 Religious Belief
In Year 7, students explore the foundations of faith as a basis for the remainder of Key Stage 3. In Year 8, students explore the implications of faith. By Year 9, students are introduced to the challenges of faith.
Year 7
Autumn Term: What does Faith mean?
The six main world religions, their beliefs, practices, leaders and followers (including a study of Humanism).
Spring Term: Does religion divide or unite?
Expressions of division (within and between faiths) as well as expressions of unity as faiths work together.
Summer Term: What is radical about Jesus?
Jesus’s life, teachings and purpose – the one who divides History and faiths – including his radical death; who is to blame?
Year 8
Autumn Term: What does Life mean?
The beginning of life – Origins of the world according to faiths – religious and non-religious. Does faith demand a dispute with Science – Creation versus Big Bang?
Spring Term: What is good and evil?
The meaning of life in the context of suffering? Where does evil come from? Is anyone evil?
Summer Term: What happens when we die?
The responses of the religious and non-religious views. How to evaluate differing experiences and convictions.
Year 9
Autumn Term: What does God mean?
Is there any evidence for God’s existence? The definition and meaning of Religious Experience and the Miraculous.
Spring Term: What is Morality?
The philosophical basis of morality – where does it come from, must it be religious? The meaning of the good/moral life – hedonism, happiness or holiness?
Summer Term: What is the future of Faith?
Questions of philosophy – faith and existence? Questions of Morality – how faith ‘works’.
Years 10 and 11
Students have a comprehensive provision for their Religious Education through four strands. First, a dedicated study of Ethical studies from a Religious perspective each month. Secondly, through assemblies with a specific RS focus (including Diwali, Remembrance, Christmas, Ramadan etc). Thirdly through combined PSHE provision. Fourthly, through an established Faith Forum day in June (Year 10).