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Religious Studies

At Lowton Church of England High School, Religious Studies begins with our belief that every young person is of infinite and equal worth in the eyes of God, and able to flourish and live “life in all its fullness” (John 10:10). Religious Studies is where our theologically rooted Christian vision becomes a subject: a place for every pupil, of all faiths and none, to think deeply, ask hard questions, and understand the beliefs and ideas that shape our world.

Our Religious Studies provision meets the expectations of the Church of England’s Statement of Entitlement for Religious Education (January 2026) and is supported by our two Dioceses, Liverpool and Manchester. In line with that Statement, Religious Studies at Lowton is:

  • a high-profile academic subject, studied by every pupil in every year group;
  • taught in an objective, critical, and pluralistic way, and open to pupils of all beliefs and none;
  • distinct from collective worship, and never a substitute for it; and
  • non-confessional: we help pupils understand and evaluate religious and non-religious worldviews, rather than seeking to draw them into any particular belief.

What our pupils’ study

As a Church of England high school, the study of Christianity is central to our Religious Studies curriculum, explored as a diverse, living, global faith through the Bible and other key sources of authority. Alongside this, pupils study a range of other religious and non-religious worldviews, examining the diversity, complexity, and change within them, and are given space to reflect on their own personal worldview. At Key Stage 3, pupils follow the Liverpool Diocese “Illuminating Pathways” scheme together with elements of the Manchester Diocese syllabus. At Key Stage 4, pupils work towards a recognised Religious Studies qualification (AQA), in which the study of Christianity is a significant part. Judaism is studied as the second religion. Pupils then broaden into religion and worldviews more widely in Year 11.

How we ensure academic rigour

  • Pupils build secure knowledge of religious and non-religious worldviews, studying major world faiths and their corresponding philosophical and ethical issues, and learn to draw on different “ways of knowing”, including theology, philosophy, and the human and social sciences.
  • Pupils develop religious literacy and disciplinary knowledge, using and evaluating sources, including biblical texts, and are given time to gather information and draw conclusions, rather than simply expressing personal feelings or responses.
  • Enquiry, creativity, and experiential learning foster spiritual and intellectual development within a demanding curriculum, with opportunities for imagination and creativity built into the process of enquiry.

How we nurture and develop our pupils

  • Our classrooms are safe, supportive spaces where pupils can openly explore questions of belief, values, meaning, purpose, and truth, developing their own attitudes towards religious issues.
  • Pupils come to appreciate how religion, philosophy, and ethics have shaped, and continue to shape, culture, communities, and individual lives.
  • Pupils develop analytical and critical thinking, the confidence to work with challenging and abstract ideas, and skills of enquiry, interpretation, evaluation, reflection, leadership, and research.

How we promote social action and justice

  • Pupils are helped to recognise their own uniqueness and worth, and that of others, so they can flourish as individuals and as citizens of a diverse society and global community.
  • Pupils engage in meaningful, respectful dialogue across difference, appreciating similarities and differences between themselves and others, and between societies and cultures, holding to the truth that what we share is our common humanity, which is of infinite value and worth.
  • Pupils discuss, debate, and evaluate stereotypes and misconceptions, challenging injustice and valuing diversity, living out our calling to be “deeply Christian, serving the common good."

 

 

 

Religious Studies at Lowton Church of England High School is open, academic, and inclusive. It is taught to help pupils of all faiths and none understand religion and worldviews and think carefully for themselves. It is not an attempt to draw pupils into any particular faith, and we hope every pupil will take part fully.

Parents and carers do, however, have the legal right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Studies. If you are considering this, we warmly encourage you to speak with the Head of Religious Studies first, so that we can explain what is taught and answer any questions you may have. Any request to withdraw should then be made in writing to the Headteacher.

Where a pupil is withdrawn, the school will supervise them appropriately during those lessons. Responsibility for the pupil’s religious studies during any period of withdrawal rests with the parent or carer.

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