Year 7
What is a worldview?
In this unit, students learn about the idea of a worldview. A worldview is the way someone understands the world and decides what is important in life. It shapes their ideas about meaning, purpose, and belonging. We study how people’s worldviews (whether religious or non religious) affect how they see things and why they sometimes disagree. This topic is important because we will keep coming back to these ideas throughout our entire RS curriculum.
Read MoreHow are the Abrahamic faiths connected through the Prophets?
In this unit, students learn about Prophethood in the Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Using a theological lens (studying beliefs about God), they explore the shared stories that connect these faiths. They look at important figures like Abraham and Moses and ask what these stories mean to different believers. Students compare similarities and differences and think about continuity, change, and diversity between the religions.
Read MoreHow do different worldviews perceive Jesus?
In this unit, students study Jesus (also called Isa in Islam) as both a real historical person and a religious figure. They learn how his life and actions have influenced many worldviews. Students explore continuity, change, and diversity in how different faiths understand him. They compare beliefs in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam to see what is similar and what is different.
Read MoreIs it possible to follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad in the 21st century?
In this unit, students learn how the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the Qur’an guide Muslims today. Students use verses from the Qur'an to answer big questions about how Muslims live in the 21st century. They explore real-life case studies to understand what life is like for Muslims in Britain today.
Read MoreWho are the 'Nones'?
In this unit, students learn about religious affiliation and the growing group called the “Nones,” people who do not follow a specific religion. Students explore how non-religious people find meaning, purpose, and belonging. They study ideas from thinkers like Linda Woodhead and the New Atheists to understand different views on knowledge, morality, and the value of life.
Read MoreHow might a person's beliefs cause them to challenge authority?
How might a person's beliefs cause them to challenge authority? In this unit, students learn about authority and power in religion and how faith can inspire people to take action. They study figures like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Desmond Tutu, Quang Duc, and Harriet Tubman to see how their beliefs led them to fight oppression, promote equality, or make personal sacrifices.
Read MoreYear 8
Does Buddhist dharma provideo answers for why we suffer?
In this unit, students learn about the idea of a Grand Narrative — a big story that explains how the world works. They explore a Buddhist worldview and focus on one key question: Why do we suffer? Students study the life of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) and how his experiences shaped Buddhist beliefs. They learn the main teachings of Buddhism and how these ideas help Buddhists understand life, suffering, and happiness.
Read MoreWhy is Christianity the way it is?
In this unit, students learn that Christianity is a diverse religion. Over time, disagreements have led to changes in belief and practice. Students explore how Christianity began after Jesus and how it spread from the Middle East to become the world’s largest religion. They study how key events like the Great Schism and Protestant Reformation caused continuity, change, and diversity, leading to different denominations in Great Britain today.
Read MoreWhat does it mean to be a Sikh in Britain today?
In this unit, students explore Sikhi as a religious worldview that answers big questions about identity, purpose, and belonging. They study key Sikh beliefs such as Ik Onkar (the oneness of God), sewa (selfless service), and the importance of the Guru Granth Sahib as spiritual guidance. Students learn how Sikh teachings about equality and justice give meaning to life and shape both personal and community identity.
Read MoreHow do humans express their spirituality?
In this unit, pupils explore how different religious and non religious traditions express meaning and purpose through art. They study how beliefs are shown in paintings, music, drama, and calligraphy. Key ideas such as impermanence in Buddhism and Tawhid (the oneness of God) in Islam are explored through creative expression. Pupils also examine how verses from the Qur'an are used in beautiful calligraphy as a form of worship and guidance.
Read MoreHow do we know what is real?
In this unit, students explore the big question: “How do we know what is real?” They use philosophical tools to debate and write about ideas on truth, reality, and knowledge. Students study philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, René Descartes, and John Locke to understand how big questions about the universe have been tackled over time. The unit focuses on grand narratives—big stories that try to explain life and reality.
Read MoreHow does Christianity address modern challenges?
In this unit, pupils will investigate how Christian worldviews have adapted and new teachings developed in response to contemporary concerns. They explore how religious ideas are applied to modern issues, including poverty, gender equality, racial justice, environmental challenges, and church attitudes to LGBT+ communities. The focus is on how religious teachings are interpreted and applied to ethical issues in the modern world.
Read MoreYear 9
What is religion and is it dying?
In this unit, students explore why people are attracted to religion and what role religion plays in society. They study how religion can give people meaning, community, and guidance, and examine whether this still reflects life in Britain today. The key theme is authority and power, looking at how religious and non-religious groups influence society and how society, in turn, changes religion. Students explore ideas from scholars such as Ninian Smart, Pascal Boyer and Linda Woodhead to understand the purpose and function of religion. They also investigate new and growing forms of religion e.g. Pentecostalism to understand why they appeal to people today.
Read MoreDoes God exist?
In this unit, pupils explore one of the most important philosophical questions: Does God exist? They examine different arguments for and against belief in God, including logical, evidence-based, and ethical arguments. By studying these ideas, pupils learn about the philosophical foundations of theism (belief in God) and atheism (disbelief in God). The aim is for students to debate, evaluate evidence, and develop their own well-reasoned position.
Read MoreHow do we know what is right and wrong?
In this unit, students explore the concept of living well by asking how we know what is right and wrong. They study different ethical theories that help people make decisions in moral situations. Students examine ideas from philosophers such as Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, Jeremy Bentham, and John Stuart Mill. Through these thinkers, pupils explore different ways people decide what the most ethical action is.
Read MoreChristian Beliefs
Students begin the Pearson Edexcel Religious Studies B GCSE specification at this point. In this unit, students explore the key beliefs at the heart of Christianity. They study important teachings about the Trinity, creation, the incarnation of Jesus, salvation, life after death, and the problem of evil. Students learn how these beliefs come from the Bible and Christian traditions and why they are important for Christians today. The unit helps students understand how Christian beliefs influence worship, moral decisions, and everyday life.
Read MoreMarriage and Family
n this unit, students explore Christian teachings about marriage and family life and how these beliefs guide ethical decision-making. They examine Christian views on the purpose of marriage, including love, commitment, procreation, and stability for families. Students also study issues such as divorce, gender equality, contraception, and different types of family structures. The unit helps students understand how Christian teachings influence attitudes towards relationships and family life in modern society, while also recognising that Christians may hold different views on these topics.
Read MoreYear 10
Muslim Beliefs
In this unit, students explore the core beliefs of Islam and how these shape the lives of Muslims. They study key teachings such as the nature of Allah, the importance of prophets, holy books, angels, predestination, and life after death. Students also learn about the Six Articles of Faith and how these beliefs guide Sunni Muslim worship, behaviour, and moral choices. The unit helps students understand the foundations of Islamic belief and how these teachings influence Muslim life today.
Read MoreCrime and Punishment (Islam)
In this unit, students explore Muslim teachings about crime and punishment and how these guide ideas about justice in society. They examine key Islamic principles such as justice, accountability, mercy, and forgiveness. Students study how the teachings of the Qur'an and the example of Prophet Muhammad influence Muslim views on crime, law, and punishment. The unit helps students understand how Islamic teachings shape attitudes towards responsibility, fairness, and living ethically.
Read MoreLiving the Christian Life
In this unit, students explore what it means for Christians to live out their faith in everyday life. They study how Christian beliefs influence worship, community life, and moral actions. Students examine practices such as prayer, pilgrimage, charity, and the role of the Church in the local and global community. They also explore how Christian organisations put beliefs into action by supporting people in need. The unit helps students understand how faith is expressed through both personal devotion and social responsibility.
Read MoreMatters of Life and Death
In this unit, students explore religious and philosophical responses to ultimate questions about life, death, and human existence. They examine Christian and non-religious views on the sanctity of life, the beginning and end of life, and ethical debates about issues such as abortion and euthanasia. Students also study beliefs about life after death and how these ideas influence moral decision-making. The unit helps students understand how beliefs about life’s value shape attitudes towards difficult ethical questions.
Read MoreYear 11
Matters of Life and Death
In this unit, students explore what it means for Muslims to live out their faith in everyday life. They study key practices such as the Five Pillars of Islam, forms of worship, and the importance of community and charity. Students examine how beliefs about Allah guide daily actions, including prayer, fasting, giving to those in need, and pilgrimage. The unit helps students understand how faith is expressed through both personal devotion and commitment to the wider Muslim community.
Read MorePeace and Conflict
In this unit, students explore Muslim teachings about peace and conflict and how Islamic beliefs shape attitudes towards justice, war, and reconciliation. They examine key ideas such as peace, justice, forgiveness, and the concept of struggle (jihad). Students study how teachings from the Qur'an and the example of Muhammad influence Muslim views on conflict, warfare, and the importance of working towards peace. The unit helps students understand how Islamic teachings guide ethical responses to conflict in the modern world.
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