Key Stage 3 - Religious Education
Religion and world views inform our values and are reflected in what we say and how we behave. The overarching aim for Religious Education at Key Stage 3 is to develop the pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the religions and beliefs which form part of contemporary society.
The Religious Education curriculum also contributes to pupils’ personal development and well-being and to community cohesion by promoting mutual respect and tolerance in a diverse society. It offers opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development, deepening the understanding of the significance of religion in the lives of others – individually, communally and cross-culturally.
The approach to teaching is systematic, drawing upon Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam and Humanism. Through a variety of themes pupils will:
- consider challenging questions about the meaning and purpose of life, beliefs, the self, issues of right and wrong, and what it means to be human
- develop their knowledge and understanding of Christianity, other principal religions, and religious traditions that examine these questions, fostering personal reflection and spiritual development
- be encouraged to explore their own beliefs (whether they are religious or non-religious), in the light of what they learn, as they examine issues of religious belief and faith and how these impact on personal, institutional and social ethics; and to express their responses. This also builds resilience to anti-democratic or extremist narratives
- be enabled to build their sense of identity and belonging, which helps them flourish within their communities and as citizens in a diverse society
- develop respect for others, including people with different faiths and beliefs, and challenge prejudice
- consider their responsibilities to themselves and to others, and to explore how they might contribute to their communities and to wider society.
