Religious Studies at our school provides students with a broad understanding of world religions and ethical perspectives, with a particular emphasis on Islam.
"He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding."
The Noble Qur’an [2: 269]
The curriculum encourages respect, critical thinking, and reflection, helping students appreciate religious diversity while deepening their knowledge and practice of Islamic teachings. By exploring faith-based values and moral issues, students are guided to develop strong character, a confident Islamic identity, and a commitment to positive contribution in society.
The course challenges pupils to reflect on, consider, analyse, interpret and evaluate issues of truth, belief, faith and ethics and to communicate their responses. It promotes discernment, sensitivity to others and enables pupils to combat prejudice. Students are encouraged to develop their sense of identity and belonging, enabling them to flourish individually within their communities and as citizens in a pluralistic society and global community.
In 2024, 83% of students achieved grades 9-7, with 100% attaining grades 9-5. You can see our school performance figures for 2024 GCSE exams here.
Students are encouraged to work independently and as part of a group to study and understand world faiths. They are required to give correct and thoughtful responses based on knowledge, understanding and reflection. Their analysis and interpretation skills are tested as well as their ability to refer to religious sources. Homework is used as an integral part of learning.
Pupils receive a summary of the key topics to be studied throughout the year, which helps them to see the connections between topics. They will also receive a table showing them what the End of Year expected targets are for their year group.
Through class work and homework, students gain a sound understanding of the basics tenants of their own faith and that of the major world religions. They also develop their skills of knowledge and understanding and explanation.
By the end of Year 8, students are expected to have gained a sound understanding of the main topics which encourage them to think about how and why prejudice and racism happens and how inspirational men have challenged racist ideas and changed their communities. They will also have examined World religions of religious expression and understood the deeper meaning behind the Creation story according to Islam. Pupils will have reflected on why there is evil and suffering in the world and seen how many Prophets made sacrifices to uphold their message.
Pupils will have developed their skills of understanding, analysis, interpretation and reflection in accordance with the exam requirements.
Students start the GCSE syllabus in term 1 of year 9. All students will be sitting 3 Papers by the end of Y11. This scheme gives ample time for the students to learn, to consolidate their knowledge and prepare for the final exam confidently.
The Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Religious Studies A consists of three externally-examined papers. All students must complete:
● Paper 1: Area of Study 1 – Study of Islam
● Paper 2: Area of Study 2 – Study of Second Religion (Catholic Christianity)
Students must then complete one assessment from either:
● Paper 3: Area of Study 3 – Philosophy and Ethics (Islam)
● Paper 4: Area of Study 4 – Textual Studies (The Qur’an)
Students must complete all assessments in May/June in any single year.
