Religious Studies

“Religious Education is not just about learning what others believe, but discovering what it means to be human.” – Unknown

 

Subject Overview

Religious Education (RE) plays a crucial role in fostering the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) development of every student. RE encourages learners to engage deeply with questions about meaning, purpose, and values, helping them to understand not only different faiths and worldviews but also what it means to be human in a diverse and interconnected world.

Through studying a broad spectrum of religious traditions—including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism—as well World Views, students develop cultural literacy and empathy. This nurtures respect and open-mindedness, which are essential qualities in our multicultural society.

RE also complements and enhances the teaching of Relationships, Sex, and Health Education (RSHE) by addressing sensitive and complex themes such as identity, relationships, ethics, and personal wellbeing within a thoughtful and respectful framework. This integrated approach supports students in navigating the challenges of modern life with confidence, understanding, and integrity.

By embedding opportunities for reflection, discussion, and critical thinking, Religious Education empowers students to develop a strong moral compass, make informed ethical decisions, and contribute positively to their communities. It supports the school’s commitment to creating an environment that is aspiring, safe, prepared, independent, respectful, and excellent.

RE is a foundation for learning, enabling pupils to grow in understanding of themselves and the world in which they live, preparing them for life in Britain today, and inspiring them towards creative curiosity and eagerness to learn more about religion and worldviews. 

Ultimately, RE equips students not only with knowledge but with the wisdom and compassion to become thoughtful, responsible citizens who value diversity and promote social cohesion — embodying the ethos and values of The Forest School. 

Curriculum Intent
At The Forest School, Religious Education inspires students to explore the rich tapestry of beliefs, values, and traditions that shape human experience. Our RE curriculum aims to:

• Develop students’ understanding of the major world religions and worldviews, fostering respect and empathy.
• Encourage critical thinking and open-minded inquiry about moral, spiritual, and ethical questions.
• Equip students with the skills to engage in meaningful dialogue about faith, culture, and identity.
• Promote self-awareness and reflection, helping students form their own informed beliefs and values.
• Cultivate a lifelong curiosity about the diverse ways people find purpose and meaning in life.

Students will acquire knowledge of religious texts, practices, festivals, and histories alongside the ability to analyse and compare different belief systems. They will develop skills in respectful discussion, critical evaluation, and ethical reasoning.

Curriculum implementation
At KS3 (year 7 and 8), Religious Education is taught in mixed ability tutor groups. In year 9 and above, students may choose Religious Education as a GCSE option.

At The Forest School, Religious Education lessons are designed to be engaging, inclusive, and thought-provoking, using a variety of teaching methods and resources that cater to diverse learning styles and encourage active participation.

Teaching Methods:

• Discussion and Debate: Students regularly engage in respectful discussions and debates on moral, ethical, and spiritual questions, helping to develop critical thinking, communication skills, and empathy.
• Inquiry-Based Learning: Lessons encourage curiosity and questioning, allowing students to explore both religious and non-religious beliefs and practices deeply and independently.
• Reflective Activities: Personal reflection tasks are used to help students connect learning to their own experiences and values.
• Collaborative Group Work: Group tasks and peer learning foster teamwork and allow students to appreciate different perspectives.
• Use of Technology: Interactive digital resources, videos, and virtual tours of places of worship enhance understanding and engagement. This includes the use of real life stories.
• Cross-Curricular Links: RE is linked with subjects like History, PSHE/RSHE, and Geography to provide a holistic learning experience.

Resources Used:

• Primary Texts: Excerpts from religious scriptures such as the Bible, Quran, Torah, and others provide authentic sources for study.
• Multimedia Materials: Documentaries, interviews, and faith community websites offer contemporary insights into religious life.
• Artefacts and Visuals: Where possible, real or replica religious artefacts, art, and symbolism are used to enrich understanding.

Curriculum Impact
Religious Education at The Forest School is integral to nurturing the school’s core values:

• Aspiring: RE encourages students to aspire to be thoughtful, informed individuals who seek understanding beyond themselves.
• Safe: The respectful environment in RE lessons models how to discuss sensitive issues safely and inclusively.
• Prepared: Students leave RE equipped to navigate a diverse world with cultural sensitivity and ethical awareness.
• Independent: RE nurtures independent thinking by encouraging students to question, reflect, and form their own views.
• Respectful: Learning about diverse beliefs fosters respect for others’ identities and opinions.
• Excellent: High-quality RE teaching challenges students to achieve excellence in critical thinking, empathy, and communication.

Through Religious Education, students develop the confidence and moral framework necessary to contribute positively to their communities and the wider world.

KS3 (years 7-8):

At KS3, topics covered include the following: 

Year 7: A brief summary of the six main world religions. They will also examine humanism and non-religious worldviews. This will also involve a close examination of the ways in which religious faith is shown in practice, as well as an in-depth look at Buddhism.

Year 8: An examination of Philosophy and World Views, followed by a close look at areas that experience prejudice and discrimination, followed by a look at Crime and Punishment, with the responses by Christian and non-religious organisations in the UK.

Books are marked and students are then formally assessed on work that they have been studying. 

Pupils also reflect on their progress and identify areas for improvement via peer and self-assessment.

KS4 (years 9-11):

At GCSE, students study the Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies syllabus B. The course is divided into two papers. Paper One is on Islam: Muslim beliefs, Living the Muslim life, Marriage and the family in Islam, and A matter of life and death (e.g. abortion and euthanasia). Paper Two is on Christianity: Christian beliefs, Living the Christian life, Peace and conflict, and Crime and punishment.

Both exam papers are sat at the end of Year 11. They are both 1 hour and 45 minutes long. The assessment structure contains a variety of set question types such as short questions (3 marks), medium (5 marks), and essay questions (12 marks).

Books are marked and students are then formally assessed on work that they have been studying.

Students are set examination questions regularly for homework, where they will receive feedback from their peers and encouraged to do self-reflection. 

Enrichment opportunities
The department offers the opportunity to attend a lunchtime club called ‘cake and games club’, where students have the opportunities to socialise with other students whilst playing a variety of different games. These games can range from traditional board games to bingo and Jenga. These enable students to develop their confidence and experience and to develop competitiveness in a healthy environment.

Curious about the curriculum? Looking for something to read?

KS3

• KS3 Religious Education Complete Study; Practice by CGP Books
• World Religions: The Great Faiths Explored and Explained by John Bowker
• “The Religions Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained”; by DK
• Magazine: REtoday

KS4

• Religion and Ethics - Christianity by Lynne Gibson, Edexcel Religious Studies for
• GCSE (9-1): Beliefs in Action (Specification B).
• GCSE Religious Studies for Edexcel B: Religion and Ethics through Islam by Waqar
• Ahmad Ahmedi
• GCSE Edexcel B Religious Studies Beliefs in Action CGP
• Revise Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B Pearson Islam and Christianity.
• Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
• Magazine: REtoday
• Web sites REquest – A bank of source material for teaching Christianity to students aged 4 –
• 16. Includes stories, interviews with Christians and interactive games. 
• TrueTube

Resources and facilities
Most lessons are taught in a subject specialist room which has access to a variety of resources such as textbooks, artefacts, and religious texts.

Contact information
If you'd like to find out more please contact Miss S Whitethread, Subject Leader, on swhitethread@forest.academy