Religious Studies
When you study Religious Studies you are not just studying the course content
you are also studying and evaluating yourself. You are thinking through your
own philosophies and your own ethical and moral standing on numerous
different aspects of the world and of life. You will also be learning of and
understanding other people's philosophies and views; whether that is of other
people in the class or famous Philosophers, Theologians, Historians or people
currently in the media spotlight.
Staff:
Mrs Sue Shepheard
Mrs Shelley Walker
Key Stage 3 (Year 7 - 9)
TAUGHT UNITS
Year 7
AU1
AU2
SP1
SP2
SU1
SU2
Beliefs and Concepts
What do people believe about
life and the place of religion
and beliefs within it?
This term is an enquiry which
enables students to explore
ideas of what it is to be Human
and relate them to religious
and other beliefs.
Beliefs and Concepts
What experiences and beliefs
are important to me and
others?
Students explore ideas about
the nature of life on earth and
relate them to religious and
other beliefs.
Rights and Responsibilities
What really matters in religion
and beliefs?
This enquiry explores how
people’s values and
commitments might be
demonstrated in the lives of
individuals and the community.
Rights and Responsibilities
How do actions express belief?
Students will explore those
aspects of human nature which
relate to religious practices,
community and celebration.
Ethics and Relationships
What can we learn from
religions, beliefs and
community today? Interfaith
dialogue.
This enquiry explores how
beliefs affect approaches to
moral issues. Students will
consider the impact of culture
and multiculturalism in the UK
and the presence of religion in
Devon.
Ethics and Relationships
What codes of behaviour exist
in religion and beliefs?
Students will consider how
important they think religion is,
looking at codes of behaviour
that religion advocates, the
nature of good and evil and
responses to ethical situations.
Year 8
Year 9
Authority and Expressions of
Spirituality
Where are the answers to
life’s big questions?
This enquiry explores how
religions and world views
express aspects of human
nature and values.
Religion and Relationships
How religious beliefs and teachings are applied to
life in society today through a study of:concepts of commitment and responsibility; human
sexuality and l relationships; understanding of the
purpose and character of marriage; alternatives to
marriage; the concept and role of parenting;
attitudes to divorce.
Authority and Expression of
Spirituality
How do people express their
beliefs and identities?
Students explore how religions
and beliefs are expressed in a
variety of creative ways.
Religion and animal rights
How religious beliefs and teachings are applied to
life in society today through a study of:views on animal rights and the means of protecting
those rights; responses to the preservation of
species from extinction; the contemporary use and
abuse of animals issues concerning the slaughter of
animals, meat, vegetarian and vegan diets.
Religion and Medical Ethics
How religious beliefs and teachings are applied to
life in society today through a study of:the concept of the sanctity of life; human genetic
engineering; the implications of artificial methods of
reproduction for those who take part and for the
children produced.
Religion and The Media
How are religions and beliefs
portrayed in the media?
This enquiry explores how big
questions of belief, faith and
truth are portrayed in a
variety of media.
Religion and The Media
Do Religious groups use the
media effectively?
Students investigate how
religion is portrayed in the
media and how this has
affected the lives of millions of
people.
Global issues

Does our planet have a
future?
Students will look at global
issues and religious responses
to them. Students will consider
Christian, Muslim and Hindu
views about the environment
and actions carried out as a
result.
Religion and Young People
How religious beliefs and teachings are applied to
life in society today through a study of:birth and initiation ceremonies; the home,
upbringing and spirituality and their role in decisionmaking and life choices, commitment –coming of
age ceremonies; rights and responsibilities.
The nature of religion
Is there still a place for
religion in society?
Students will investigate the
nature of religion and its
history, looking at how religion
has changed in the last 200
years and its importance
today.
Religion and work
How religious beliefs and teachings are applied to
life in society today through a study of:the purpose and importance of work; work as
service e.g. sewa; responsibilities and rights of
employers and employees; importance of voluntary
work; unemployment, it’s problems and support for
those out of work.
Religion and a Multicultural Society
How religious beliefs and teachings are applied to
life in society today through a study of:concepts of tolerance, respect, diversity,
multiculturalism and political correctness;
advantages and disadvantages of a multicultural
society; influence of faith communities, locally,
nationally and internationally.
Key Stage 4 (Year 10 and 11)
GCSE Religious Studies (AQA)
Paper 1: Religion and Life Issues (1 hour 30 minutes)
Paper 2: Religion and Morality (1 hour 30 minutes)
Key Stage 5 (Year 12, 13 and 14)
AS and A2 LEVEL Religious Studies
AS: Students undertake 2 areas of study leading to 2 examinations;
Unit 1: Topic A– Religion and Ethics
Unit 2: Topic B – Philosophy of Religion
A2: Students undertake 2 areas of study leading to 2 examinations;
Unit 3 – Religion and Ethics
Unit 4 – Religion and Human Experience