In order for students to understand our constantly changing world they need to be able to interpret religious issues and evaluate their significance. Religious Studies (RS) gives our students valuable insights into the diverse beliefs and opinions held by people today. It helps with their own personal development and supports an understanding of the spiritual, moral, social & cultural questions that surface again and again in their lives. In tackling difficult questions, it provides students with insight that can work to challenge stereotypes, promote cohesion, and tackle extremism. RS does important work encouraging young people to value themselves and the communities within which they live.

How do we ensure academic rigour in our Religious Studies curriculum?

• Students are provided with the opportunity to learn ‘about’ and ‘from’ religion through the study of the six major world faiths and corresponding philosophical and ethical issues. Students are given time to gather information and draw conclusions.
• Students are encouraged to use their creativity and imagination – ensuring that experiential learning and opportunities to foster spiritual and creative development are built into the process of enquiry.
• Students develop ‘impersonal evaluation’ – asking them to give well-founded reasons and justify their conclusions or views rather than simply expressing their personal feelings or responses to the enquiry.

How do we nurture and develop our students through our Religious Studies curriculum?

• 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.
• Students will develop analytical and critical thinking skills, the ability to work with abstract ideas, leadership and research skills.

How do we promote social action and courageous advocacy through our Religious Studies curriculum?

• Students are encouraged to recognise their own uniqueness and value, enabling them to flourish both as individuals and as citizens in a pluralistic society and global community.
• Students learn to appreciate similarities and differences between themselves and others, between societies and cultures, all the while emphasising that the thing we all have in common is our humanity, which is of infinite value and worth.
• Students are given opportunities to discuss, debate and evaluate stereotypes and popular misconceptions, thus promoting a fair society by challenging injustice and valuing diversity.