Religious Studies

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Religious Studies (RS) forms a statutory part of the basic curriculum and must be provided for all registered pupils at Key Stage 3. 

Our Key Stage 3 Religious Studies curriculum is designed to offer a rigorous, inclusive and knowledge-rich curriculum that develops:

  • Religious literacy
  • Critical thinking and evaluation
  • Understanding of diverse beliefs and worldviews
  • Personal reflection and respectful dialogue

The curriculum is ambitious, coherently planned, and sequenced to build knowledge over time.  This structure ensures sustained engagement with the subject allowing pupils to revisit, deepen and apply knowledge progressively across the key stage.  The KS3 curriculum is carefully sequenced to move from foundational knowledge → conceptual understanding → critical evaluation.

Through this curriculum, pupils will:

  • Be prepared for further study at Key Stage 4 and life in a diverse society
  • Develop a secure understanding of major world religions and worldviews
  • Gain the ability to analyse and evaluate philosophical and ethical questions
  • Build skills in discussion, reasoning and respectful disagreement

Parents have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of the religious education curriculum provided by the school. Parents who are considering doing so should make an appointment to discuss this with the Principal.

Curriculum Documentation

Complete Curriculum MapDownload
RE – Year 7 – Curriculum MapDownload
RE – Year 7 – Learning MapDownload
RE – Year 7 – Autumn – Learning JourneyDownload
RE – Year 7 – Spring – Learning JourneyDownload
RE – Year 7 – Summer – Learning JourneyDownload
RE – Year 8 – Curriculum MapDownload
RE – Year 8 – Learning MapDownload
RE – Year 8 – Autumn Term – Learning JourneyDownload
RE – Year 8 – Spring Term – Learning JourneyDownload
RE – Year 8 – Summer Term – Learning JourneyDownload
RE – Year 9 – Curriculum MapDownload
RE – Year 9 – Learning MapDownload
RE – Year 9 – Autumn Term – Learning JourneyDownload
RE – Year 9 – Spring Term – Learning JourneyDownload
RE – Year 9 – Summer Term – Learning JourneyDownload

Religious Studies at Key Stage 4 & 5

The Religious Studies department at Robert Smyth Academy is proud to deliver an inclusive curriculum exploring a wide range of beliefs and issues. At Key Stage 4 & 5, students are equipped to discuss and debate key ethical, moral and social issues with confidence, sensitivity and respect. In addition, students revisit prior learning regarding the major world religions and apply this knowledge to consider societal issues from differing perspectives.

Our aim is to develop thoughtful, empathetic and curious young adults who understand the role of religion and morality in society. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate both their own views and those of others through the study of differing perspectives and sources of authority.

The study and contemplation of religion is closely aligned with the Tudor Values, promoting tolerance, respect and an appreciation of diversity. We emphasise the importance of unity, encouraging students to engage in meaningful, respectful dialogue. Students have opportunities to debate real-world issues, engage with external speakers, and explore higher-level materials such as webinars, podcasts and academic texts.

Throughout, students are expected to think critically and engage respectfully, recognising the importance of balanced and thoughtful discussion in philosophical and ethical contexts.

Parents have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education lessons. If you wish to do so, please contact your child’s College Leader to discuss arrangements. Alternative provision will be made where possible.

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