Religious Studies (RS)

Religious Studies (RS) is important to ensure that students learn about the diverse beliefs and practices of different people, with different ways of life. Our RS curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills to be able understand the world around them. Students develop their knowledge of, and skills in, theology, philosophy and the social sciences and consider contentious, real-world issues.

We are committed to ensuring our students have a rich understanding of the diversity as well as similarities of beliefs and practices across different religions. Students also learn about the diversity of beliefs and practices within religions, as well as the diversity of non-religious beliefs. This allows them to navigate the political, social and religious world around them both in further studies and everyday life.  

We never shy away from teaching the tensions and contradictions both within and between religious and non-religious belief. This is to ensure that students develop rich knowledge, which will be the foundation upon which they can develop other skills. We believe that every student, regardless of current or prior attainment, has the right to study RS through a carefully sequenced curriculum with a range of religious and non-religious attitudes. Students consider these with regards to real world issues. We embed explicit instruction and retrieval practice into our lessons to ensure that SEND students are fully supported.   

We are also committed to teaching the different disciplinary skills. Students develop their extended writing in lessons. Students develop their explanation and analysis of different religious texts, interpretations, ideas and concepts through the use of carefully selected terminology. Students develop knowledge and skills in RS disciplinary skills: theology, philosophy and social sciences. This develops students’ knowledge of religious scripture and the different ways that it can be used in a global and social platform.  Students also have the opportunity to develop their skills in debate and discussion, both verbally and through their written work.

Through the teaching, learning and discussion of diverse beliefs and practices, students have the opportunity to break down and examine their own preconceptions and prejudices. They discuss, question and understand better their own beliefs and practices. This allows their own personal growth so that they can understand and enjoy the multi-cultural world around them.  

Requests to withdraw a pupil from RE

Parents and carers who wish to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education lessons, please email Clare Sweeney.