Religious Education

Worldviews, Religion & Ethics Curriculum

The Social Sciences department has a commitment to ensure that studying Worldviews, Religion & Ethics equips pupils with a deep, nuanced understanding of the diverse religious and non-religious worldviews that shape our community, modern Britain, and the wider global landscape. We believe that “no one stands nowhere” – every person approaches the world through a personal lens, and our subject aims to empower pupils to navigate society with curiosity, respect and critical insight.

In accordance with the Wiltshire agreed syllabus for RE, our curriculum reflects that the religious tradition in Great Britain are, in the main, Christian, while also exploring other religious and non-religious worldviews.

Students have 2 WRE lessons per fortnight throughout KS3. To ensure academic rigor and balance, our teaching explores various topics through three essential disciplines, theology, philosophy and sociology. Students investigate ultimate questions and concepts regarding truth, suffering, purpose of life and historic events.

• We build foundations in Year 7 by introducing worldviews, the WRE lenses of enquiry, the study of sacred texts, the environment, life of Jesus and making a difference.
• In Year 8 we start to explore beliefs and big questions, considering worldviews in Britain today, an introduction to philosophy, study of the Holocaust, an introduction to ethics and exploration of other world religions.
• In Year 9 we think deeply and make connections between the various units studied in years 7 and 8, as well as introducing a number of topics that are included in the AQA GCSE specification. In Year 9 we begin with the study of crime and deviance, moving on to Rights and Wrongs which explores several contemporary ethical issues (such as abortion and euthanasia), this is followed by a unit on Life after Death and in the summer term a Philosophical inquiry into whether we need God to be good.

Learning Journey:

 

GCSE AQA Religious Studies:

GCSE Religious Studies is a full course GCSE option, it gives students the opportunity to explore important questions about religion, belief, ethics and the world around us. Students will study Christianity and Islam in depth, exploring their beliefs, teachings, practices and responses to a range of contemporary ethical issues.

Students will develop the ability to think critically, consider different viewpoints, construct arguments and explain ideas clearly. The course encourages students to ask challenging questions and understand how religious beliefs influence individuals and society.