Religious Education

Religious Education Curriculum
Meet the Religious Education Department

Subject: Religious Education (RE)

CURRICULUM INTENT

The Religious Education curriculum at Archbishop Temple aims to equip pupils with the skills and knowledge needed for them to gain greater wisdom and insight into the world in which they live in order for them to flourish and let their light shine. The curriculum aims to develop our pupils into religiously literate young adults with a wealth of knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the six main world religions, with a focus on Christianity, as well as an opportunity to develop and question their own faith, whatever this may be. Fundamental to this is the knowledge of core scripture and practices and the understanding of the variety of ways in which these have been interpreted by followers and the impact on the lives of individuals and on the world.

A deep and rich learning curriculum is characterised by the retention, interleaving, spacing and retrieval of knowledge and skills. Through the Religious Education curriculum, this is achieved by regularly revisiting key concepts and building on them. By regular, low-stakes testing pupils are encouraged to retrieve their prior learning in order for it to become deep-seated and build their confidence.

We aim to equip pupils with the skills to evaluate religious and ethical issues in depth. We provide space and learning opportunities for pupils to address some of life’s big questions. We enthuse pupils to deepen their own understanding of God and the impact of religion upon the lives of today’s global citizens. Learning in the classroom encourages pupils to be enquiring, respectful and tolerant. It is our aim that our pupils will have a greater understanding of the beliefs and views of others, which will not only promote religious tolerance and harmony within society, but also help them to gain a greater understanding and insight into their own beliefs.

In order to compliment the classroom learning, we aim to provide a range of enrichment activities which are accessible to all pupils. These include guest speakers, topical extra-curricular sessions, opportunities for pupils to share their faith story with others such as through podcasting or visits to local primary schools, and extended learning opportunities.

‘How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!’ (Proverbs 16:16)

Loving God,
Guide us to greater wisdom through our learning in RE. Enable us to develop a greater appreciation of our own faith, and a better understanding of the faith of others. Give us courage to put our faith into action.

Amen.

IMPLEMENTATION

Archbishop Temple School’s Religious Education Department’s 5-year curriculum 2025-2026

Autumn

Spring

Summer

Year 7

What does it mean to be a person of faith?

Pupils learn about the basic beliefs and practices of the six main world religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism & Buddhism) and are introduced to Humanism.

Why are Holy Week and Easter important?

Pupils examine Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection and what Christians believe about it.

How did Christianity become a global religion?

Pupils look at how Christianity spread throughout the world and how diverse Christianity is.

Where do people go to find affirmation of faith?

Pupils learn about a range of pilgrimage sites: why they are places of pilgrimage and what rituals take place there.

Year 8

What does it mean to be Muslim?

Pupils learn the key beliefs and practices of Islam and think about what it means to be a Muslim in Britain today.

How should we treat people?

Pupils explore Christian values and how these impact on the treatment of people.

What is the evidence for life after death?

Pupils explore different beliefs about life after death. They consider the significance of funerals and how different cultures respond to remembering the dead.

Why do people believe in God? What do people believe about God?

Pupils examine arguments for and against the existence of God. They will look at Christian concepts of God, including the Trinity.

Year 9

What does it mean to be called?

Pupils will look at Biblical and modern-day examples of being called by God. They will explore the idea of vocation and what that means to different people.

What does it mean to be a good steward?

Pupils will learn about Christian teaching on stewardship and their responsibility to look after the world.

What does it mean to be a Buddhist?

Pupils learn the key beliefs and practices of Buddhism and think about what it means to be a Buddhist.

How visible are religious beliefs and worldviews?

Pupils will explore the impact that faith has on society in general. They will look at recent data, and explore mediums such as art, music and literature.

What does it mean to be Jewish?

Pupils learn the key beliefs and practices of Judaism and think about what it means to be a Jewish person in Britain today. Links will also be made with their History topic on the Holocaust.

Year 10

GCSE Introduction

Focuses on key Christian teachings that are used throughout the course

Paper 1

Christianity Beliefs and Teachings

Paper 1

Christianity Practices

Paper 1

Islam Beliefs and Teachings

Paper 1

Islam Practices

Year 11

Paper 2

Theme B Religion and Life

Paper 2

Theme A Relationships and families

Paper 2

Theme D Religion, Peace and Conflict

Paper 2

Theme E Religion, Crime and Punishment

Key Stage 3 Curriculum is based on Blackburn Diocese Illuminating Pathways Religious Education Programme.

GCSE Course AQA Religious Studies Specification A: Christianity, Islam and Themes

Assessments take place throughout the courses in a variety of formal and informal ways with a focus on memory retention and regular low-stakes testing.

Retrieval of previous topics takes place throughout the curriculum. This may be particularly evident in Years 10 and 11 where this may form significant parts of lessons, taking pupils away from the planned topic in order to practice long-term memory and further deepen previous learning.

IMPACT

Marking and Assessment

Pupils will receive regular age and stage appropriate assessments. Verbal feedback is regular and key assessments receive more detailed written and verbal feedback. The purpose of assessment is to inform pupils, parents and teachers of the progress and security of learning, to encourage pupils to improve their work and to enable them to do so.

Examinations

During Key Stage 3, pupils undertake formal examinations as well as key assessments. Key Stage 4 assessments prepares pupils for two GCSE examinations for the award of AQA Religious Studies GCSE grade 9-1.

Paper 1 – Christianity and Islam – 1 hour 45 minutes – 50% of overall grade.

Paper 2 – Themes without textual studies – 1 hour 45 minutes – 50% of overall grade.

Revision Guides / Resources

AQA Revision Guide – Religious Studies A (9-1) Christianity and Islam.

CGP GCSE AQA A Religious Studies for the Grade 9-1 course.

Staff Details

Miss R Hall – Head of Department

Mrs G Fawcett – Second in Department

Mrs L Ogden – Teacher of Religious Education

Miss Shaw – Assistant Headteacher / Teacher of Religious Education

Mrs K Higginson - Teacher of Religious Education

Mrs Gardner - Teacher of Religious Education

Careers and Progression

Studying Religious Education at GCSE provides an excellent foundation for further academic study in related disciplines such as Philosophy, Theology, Ethics, Law, Nursing, Politics. It can provide invaluable life skills and develop skills in critical thinking and ethics. Its principles are valued in a range of people related professions where ethical and compassionate decision making is required including teaching, nursing, law, medicine and social work/care. Knowledge of other cultures and world religions can be useful in many jobs where you are working with the public or communities. These include counselling and social services, marketing, sales and advertising, catering and hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism, retail sales and customer services, and service sector roles.

Watch this short film to find out how studying Religious Education at GCSE and A Level provides you with important life skills and offers opportunities in further education and a wide variety of careers.