The KS3 Religious Studies curriculum has been designed to provide a wide-ranging overview of world religion, both its belief systems and its application to the modern world. In Year 7 we aim to study the history and practices of religions that might be overt to our students in order for them to further understand their peers; this involves a focus on the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. However, we also cover religions that may not be as well represented in their communities to give them a broader knowledge of the similarities and differences that occur, namely the Dharmic Faiths. As students progress into Year 8 they take the principles of these religions and apply them to a range of modern world issues and ideas such as the environment and prejudice. Year 9 steps up in difficulty as students study the philosophy and ethics that underpin religious movements.

Religious Studies at HLC is implemented through an innovative approach that promotes and fosters curiosity, debate and achievement. Students will understand the relevance of the topic to the world around them, even in an increasingly secular society, and will develop a strong sense of the ethics and philosophy of Religious Studies. The knowledge supplied through studying the course is powerful and allows students access to “knowledge that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to” (Burns, 2018). RS can enable students to acquire knowledge that takes them beyond their own experiences, often helping them to better understand the experiences of their peers. Constructive debate based upon students’ own research will feature regularly with participants able to develop both their written and oral skills, key skills in the modern job market. Knowledge and understanding will be tested regularly though topic and vocabulary tests helping to embed and retain complex ideas in the long-term memory. Local places of worship allow for valuable case studies whereby students are able to see that the ideas they study directly affect the community around them. Upon completing their Religious Studies course, we aim to have moulded an ethical and open-minded young person who goes forward with a profound sense of tolerance and a clear understanding of the positive role of religion in modern society.

Religious Studies in Year 7 aims to provide a fascinating overview of the building blocks of selected world religions. Certain faiths covered are likely to be familiar to HLC students already as they are well represented within the local community. However, students will also study Hinduism and Buddhism to expand their religious horizons and provide powerful knowledge allowing them to envision alternatives to theirs.

Religious Studies in Year 8 aims to build upon the foundations laid in Year 7 by applying knowledge of various faiths to issues both practical and philosophical.  We explore important, hot button issues such as religious attitudes towards the environment and climate change. Links with geography are established through an exploration of global pilgrimage before embarking on a journey through the difficult ethical topics of war, peace and prejudice.

Year 9 taps into students’ maturity and thirst for learning with exploration of the complex issues of the philosophy and ethics that underpin religious movements. Students are encouraged to be brave in their approach as they are asked difficult and thought-provoking questions that affect the modern world.

Students will:

• feel safe to share their religious practices and experiences, promoting understanding and inclusivity throughout the school.
• have a good understanding of World religions and beliefs, so they are more open minded and behave with greater tolerance and respect to all.
• demonstrate kindness, open-mindedness and curiosity in all aspects of their studies at HLC.
• feel confident to share ideas and discuss their values and opinions respectfully.
• learn to discuss and debate their opinions with intelligence and respect.
• improve their literacy through the acquisition of new vocabulary and application of complex theological knowledge in assessments.

Fortnightly knowledge quizzes hosted on Satchel One will help students to retain knowledge long-term. Coupled with this students will be asked to complete a research based homework task per topic (this may be half-termly or termly depending on the topic).

Enrichment, activities include:

• Guest speakers
• Classics Club

Since Religious Studies is based on learning about the beliefs and values of others, it essentially also leads to a new self-awareness. This enables students to work alongside others where decisions are made. Links are also made to other subjects, especially science and history. These skills will enable students to think widely about career choices.