Key Stage 3

Students study Religious Studies once a fortnight across Key stage 3.   The aim of the curriculum at KS3 is to help all pupils to explore their own everyday experiences, consider how they can draw parallels to other people's lives and beliefs and to lead them to a deeper understanding and respect of a range of religious concepts and ideas. At Key Stage 3 we develop students’ understanding of the diversity in religion that we have in Britain today. The curriculum aims to teach the core British values: respect, democracy, the rule of law and tolerance, through themes relating to religion, social justice, and changes in society.  We aim to promote an ethos of respect for others, challenge stereotypes and build understanding of other cultures and beliefs.  

Year 7 

• Sikhism
• Festivals
• Racism and Morality 

Year 8  

• Big Bible Study
• Judaism
• The existence of God 

Key Stage 4

Students who choose to study GCSE Religious Studies in years 9, 10 and 11 will follow the AQA RS Spec A.  The course will be delivered over one double and one single lesson a week. 

GCSE RS offers students the opportunity to explore philosophical and ethical issues through two of the world’s main religions – Christianity and Judaism.  

Students will be challenged with questions about belief, values, meaning, purpose and truth, enabling them to develop their own attitudes towards religious issues. Students will also gain an appreciation of how religion, philosophy and ethics form the basis of our culture. They will develop analytical and critical thinking skills, the ability to work with abstract ideas, leadership and research skills. All these skills will help prepare them for further study. 

Key Stage 4 Core RS

All students, regardless of whether or not they have opted to study GCSE Religious Studies, continue with the study of core Religious Studies as part of their Values lessons (previously afternoon tutor). These sessions have been planned and designed by specialist Religious Studies teachers to following the Living Difference IV syllabus and ensure sequencing and progression from Key Stage 3 core RS into Key Stage 4.

The roadmap shows the key content of the core RS curriculum delivered across the 5 years (in addition to the optional GCSE course from years 9-11).

Enrichment Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to go to the Central Synagogue in London to learn about Orthodox Judaism.  Virtual visits from a local Rabbi also deepen understanding of Jewish beliefs and practices at KS4.

Assessment

Key terminology and teachings at Key Stage 4 are used throughout lessons and are transferable from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4.    

Knowledge organisers and key term booklets are used to support home learning.   

Extensive information is available on the VLE such as past papers, workbooks and knowledge organisers to support individual students’ needs.  

Home learning is often revision for assessments as time is limited in Key Stage 3. For the GCSE course at Key Stage 4, this is also used alongside practice GCSE-style questions. 

Paper 1- 50% 

• Christian beliefs and teachings
• Christian practices
• Jewish beliefs and teachings
• Jewish practices 

Paper 2- 50% 

• Religion and family relationships
• Religion and life
• Religion, peace and conflict
• Religion, crime and punishment

Each of the above eight topics will be marked out of 24 with a further 6 marks for SPaG on each paper. 

AQA Religious Studies web site

Right to Withdraw
Parents have the right to withdraw their children from religious education and/or collective worship. Please contact the school if you wish to discuss this further.