Religious Studies

Curriculum Overview

Key Stage 3:

Year 7: Seven times every two weeks as part of the Integrated Curriculum. This includes History, Geography and RS. Students will study a wide range of topics covering The Romans, Buddhism, Geographical skills and many others areas. In Year 7 students are also encouraged to develop the key skills in these areas which will support their learning throughout KS3.

Year 8: Six times a fortnight on a rotation basis with Geography and History subjects. The year covers Hinduism, Equality, Ethics and Caring for the Planet.

Year 9: Two times a fortnight. Students begin with studying How Does Growing Up Bring Responsibilities and Commitments. This unit looks at how religions perceive growing up to become an adult, as well as rites of passage. Students will then go onto beliefs about the Afterlife and Human Mortality, this unit includes Humanism. Students then get a GCSE model of Religion, Crime and Punishment to give a flavour of the skills they will need for GCSE Religious Studies.

In Years 7 and 8 students are taught in mixed ability form groups while in Year 9 they are streamed in Discover subjects. 

Key Stage 4: Mixed ability groups study the AQA specification over five lessons a fortnight

Paper 1: Christianity and Islam Beliefs, Teachings and Practices. This is an in depth look at both religions. It is taught throughout Y10 and Y11 with basic source analysis skills being developed as well as various methods for revision and long-term retention of information.

Paper 2: Thematic Studies including Relationships and Families, Religion and Life, The Existence of God and Revelation, Religion, Peace and Conflict. These topics look into how religions see  the world around us and the differences and similarities between certain religions. All of these topics further develop students’ source analysis skills and empower them with the finer techniques needed for the final examinations. AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of religion and beliefs including: beliefs, practices and sources of authority; influence on individuals, communities and societies; similarities and differences within and / or between religions and beliefs. AO2: Analyse and evaluate aspects of religion and belief, including their significance and influence. CORE RS for Y10 and Y11 consists of 1 hour a fortnight of non-examined study. This aims to provide students with knowledge and skills to extend and deepen and analyse their knowledge and understanding of religions and worldviews. They will also be given the opportunity to research and investigate the influence and impact of religions and worldviews.

The RS long term plan is available here.