Religious Education

The R.E. curriculum area enables students to explore fascinating questions relating to ethical behaviour, morality and spirituality. Students are given opportunities to investigate a wide range of religious teachings and secular world views, and to address issues such as the existence of God, the afterlife, authority, conflict, justice and charity. Lessons help students to develop many important life skills and to develop their understanding of the people and the world in which we live. Through the careful and sensitive consideration of different cultures, belief systems, traditions and moral issues, students learn to understand and respect the similarities and differences that exist within local and global communities.

R.E. helps to develop successful and independent learners by posing life's greatest questions and giving all students the opportunity for self-reflection; to develop their own opinions and beliefs, to respond to contemporary moral and ethical issues, to challenge themselves and to ultimately understand more about themselves and others.

Furthermore, as the teaching of R.E. is always unbiased, there is a place for all pupils, of whichever faith and none, in lessons.

Please explore these pages to find out more about what we offer.

Ethos & Values

We aim:

To effectively deliver the R.E. curriculum in a way that allows all students to enjoy and achieve.

To create an atmosphere of inclusivity in all lessons and ensure that the classroom becomes a genuine 'community of enquiry'.

To raise attainment by creating a target-orientated culture based on the enhancement of self-esteem.

To have consistently high expectations and match these with high quality resources and learning strategies.

To contribute to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of students through the provision of a range of educational experiences appropriate to their age, ability and needs.

To adopt a philosophy of continuous improvement in all aspects of the delivery of the R.E. curriculum.

Knowledge & Skills

In their R.E. lessons students will develop their knowledge and understanding of human behaviour and its consequences for other human beings, as well as developing a greater awareness of the world in which we live.

Lessons will not only develop subject specific knowledge as students learn about religions and other beliefs systems, but also promote a wider range of skills and attributes as they reflect on their own beliefs and values.

Examples of how students may benefit from their R.E. lessons are listed below:

They can understand what motivates people, what they think and how they feel.

They are able to read, interpret and evaluate different kinds of information, including text, maps, diagrams and symbols.

They are able to look carefully at different sources of information and draw conclusions regarding how reliable they are.

They are able to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and on paper, displaying good levels of Literacy.

They develop their understanding and awareness of spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues.

They are able to weigh up evidence in order to formulate their own opinions and debate with others who may have differing views.

Resources & Facilities

R.E. Lessons are taught by enthusiastic teachers, in well-equipped and comfortable classrooms, with interactive facilities and a wide range of quality resources. The Department also has excellent detailed textbooks, religious artefacts and subject specific software.

Courses & Qualifications

Key Stage 3

All students have one period of R.E. in Key Stage 3 in accordance with the Locally Agreed Syllabus and National requirements. Lessons cover a broad range of themes including the environment, animal rights, rights and responsibilities and the nature of authority. The primary religion studied is Christianity, although due consideration is also given to each of the six main world religions and secular viewpoints.

Key Stage 4

At GCSE, students will be studying the WJEC Eduqas syllabus studying Christianity and Hinduism and Religion and Life Issues. Route A encompasses a thematic, issues-based approach to Religious Studies, alongside systematic study of world religions. This course consists of three examinations, all of which will be sat at the end of Year 11. There are two equally weighted exams for Christianity and Hinduism and one longer exam covering the Philosophy and Ethics part of this syllabus.

Learning Outside The Classroom

The R.E. Department understands the rich contribution that learning outside of the classroom can make to a student's education. The Department therefore strives to create enrichment opportunities for students. The R.E. Department provides a range of revision and support classes when required for Key Stage 4 students in order to help students achieve success in their exams.

Where Does This Take Me In The Future?

The study of Religious Education allows learners to develop a variety of invaluable and transferable skills which could lead to many different career choices. Some examples of careers that use skills developed in R.E. are:-

Accountancy, Administration, Archaeology, Architecture, Barrister, Broadcasting, Civil Service, Diplomatic Service, Drama, Theatre and the Performing Arts, Education, Environment and Conservation, Finance, Information Management, Media, Teaching, Public Relations, Journalist, Legal Executive, Police, Politics, Publishing, Sales and Marketing, Solicitor, Tourism, Town Planning, TV Researchers, Social Work, Lawyers... to name just a few!

Religious Education qualifications are accepted by almost all employers and universities as the wide range of skills and knowledge provided allows the student to develop as an individual. Most universities offer courses in Religious Studies, Philosophy and Theology for students who are interested in pursuing this subject at a higher level.

Religious Education