Religious Education

Overview

 

The aim of RE at Christ’s School is to ensure that pupils leave with a comprehensive understanding of Christianity as well as other world religions and worldviews while building their communication and critical thinking skills.

Christs' pupils learn both about and from religion in order to develop their awareness of their own spirituality and of the beliefs of others. This information will aid students to become religiously articulate and able to communicate effectively and respectfully with those they encounter both within and outside of school. RE inherently covers important issues such as British Values and cultural, social and spiritual topics to ensure that students feel confident and safe to express their own views on a variety of issues as well as learning to understand others' perspectives.

Facilities

The RE department consists of three classrooms that have access to a wide range of key textbooks and religious texts for students in each Key Stage. We also have a range of religious artefacts that are used during lessons to allow students to experience and understand religious belief in a more personal way. Students also have access to a set of Chromebooks to enhance their learning further in the classroom.

Key Stage 3

Students in Key Stage 3 have three lessons a fortnight. In years 7-9 all students will explore a comprehensive study of the six major world religions—Christianity, Islam, Hindu-dharma, Buddhist-dharma, Judaism, and Sikhi-dharma—providing a well-rounded understanding of global faith traditions. Each religion will be examined through its key beliefs, practices, sacred texts, and historical significance, fostering respect for cultural and spiritual diversity.

Alongside religious studies, students will also engage with non-religious worldviews, such as Humanism, atheism, and agnosticism. This component encourages critical thinking about ethical and moral frameworks that exist beyond religious contexts, helping students to appreciate diverse perspectives.

The course also emphasises philosophy and ethics, where students will delve into fundamental questions about existence, morality, knowledge, and the nature of reality. Through the study of philosophical thought and ethical theory, students will develop skills in critical reasoning, ethical analysis, and moral decision-making, empowering them to think deeply about complex issues and form their own reasoned viewpoints.

Key Stage 4

AQA GCSE Religious Studies offers an engaging exploration of the world's major religions and philosophical ideas, encouraging students to think critically about beliefs, values, and ethical issues. Through vibrant discussions and thought-provoking topics, students delve into the teachings of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, examining their impact on individuals and societies. The course also addresses contemporary moral questions, such as human rights, environmental ethics, and global conflict, allowing students to develop their own perspectives. This dynamic curriculum fosters empathy, critical thinking, and respect for diversity, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex world of beliefs and values.

Course Specification

RE is a subject that legally must be taught in all state schools to all pupils at every key stage, regardless of whether the school has a religious character, is an academy, is maintained or a Free School.

Legally parents have the right to withdraw their children from the teaching of RE.  It is expected that, by applying to a church school, parents understand the school’s distinctive Christian character and recognise that RE is central to the life of the school, and will therefore not feel it necessary to withdraw their child from RE.  

Should a parent wish to withdraw their child from RE, please email the Headteacher and she will arrange a meeting with the parent to discuss the RE curriculum so that parents can make an informed decision.  Please note that if a child is withdrawn from RE, the school has a duty to supervise them but is not obliged to provide additional teaching nor incur extra cost.