Our Vision for Religious Education at HEA
Religious Education at Huish encourages students to explore life’s big questions about belief, morality, identity, and meaning. We aim to develop respectful, open-minded, and thoughtful individuals who can understand the beliefs and values of others while reflecting on and evaluating their own ideas.
Through the study of world religions, philosophy, and ethics, students learn to think critically, communicate clearly, and make reasoned moral decisions. Our curriculum builds empathy and global awareness, preparing students to be responsible, informed citizens in a diverse society.
Our Religious Education curriculum inspires students to explore life’s most important questions about belief, morality, identity, and meaning. Students learn about different faiths, philosophies, and worldviews, developing respect, empathy, and the ability to think deeply and critically about moral and spiritual issues.
Subject Vision by Key Stage
Key Stage 3
In Key Stage 3, students gain a broad understanding of the world’s major religions and philosophical ideas. They explore how belief shapes identity, community, and moral decision-making. By the end of Key Stage 3, students can describe and compare beliefs across worldviews, explain their significance, and begin to form and justify their own ethical and philosophical opinions.
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Year 7: Students begin by exploring religion locally and nationally, before studying the Abrahamic faiths – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – learning how shared stories, values, and beliefs influence the lives of believers today.
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Year 8: Students study religious authority and the importance of sacred texts and leaders before exploring Islam in more depth. They are introduced to Dharmic faiths (Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism) and examine key ideas such as karma, dharma, and enlightenment.
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Year 9: Students move into more philosophical and ethical questions, exploring topics such as the existence of God, life after death, and human responsibility for the planet. This prepares them for the evaluative and analytical skills required at GCSE level.
Key Stage 4
In Key Stage 4, students deepen their understanding through an in-depth study of Christianity and Islam, and apply this knowledge to contemporary moral and philosophical issues.
Component 1 – Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World
Students explore four themes:
- Theme 1: Issues of Relationships – marriage, families, gender equality, and sexuality.
- Theme 2: Issues of Life and Death – sanctity of life, abortion, euthanasia, and the environment.
- Theme 3: Issues of Good and Evil – morality, forgiveness, suffering, and the death penalty.
- Theme 4: Issues of Human Rights – equality, prejudice, social justice, and the use of wealth.
Component 2 – Study of Christianity
Students explore Christian beliefs, teachings, and practices, including the nature of God, salvation, and the role of the Church in the world today.
Component 3 – Study of Islam
Students study Islamic beliefs and practices, including the oneness of Allah (Tawhid), prophethood, the Qur’an, and how Muslims express faith through the Five Pillars.
By the end of Year 11, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of two major world faiths.
- Analyse and evaluate differing viewpoints on ethical and philosophical issues.
- Form their own reasoned, evidence-based arguments on key moral questions.
Key Themes and Concepts
| Belief and Practice | Understanding what people believe and how these beliefs shape behaviour, identity, and community life. |
| Authority and Sacred Texts | Exploring where religious and moral guidance comes from (e.g. scriptures, leaders, traditions). |
| Ethics and Morality | Considering right and wrong, and how beliefs influence decisions about life, justice, and society. |
| Philosophy and Meaning | Asking questions about existence, God, life after death, and the purpose of life. |
| Diversity and Community | Recognising the variety within and between faiths, and how religions impact local and global communities. |
| Expression and Identity | Examining how people express faith through worship, festivals, art, and daily life. |
| Reflection and Evaluation | Encouraging students to think deeply, compare viewpoints, and form reasoned, respectful opinions. |
Curriculum Overview
Year 7
| Year 7 | |
| Autumn 1 |
Religion Locally and Nationally Students explore how religion shapes community life, ceremonies, and local places of worship. They will understand how religion plays a role in British society. |
| Autumn 2 |
Origins of Abrahamic Faith Students learn about the origins and connections between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. They will understand shared stories and key beliefs. |
| Spring 1 |
Study of Judaism Students explore Jewish beliefs, practices, and festivals, learning how faith influences Jewish identity. |
| Spring 2 |
Study of Christianity Students examine Christian beliefs about God, Jesus, salvation, and how Christians express faith in daily life. |
| Summer 1 |
Review and Reflection Students consolidate their understanding of Abrahamic faiths and reflect on similarities, differences, and shared values. |
| Summer 2 | |
Year 8
| Year 8 | |
| Autumn 1 |
Religious Authority Students explore how different faiths use sacred texts, leaders, and traditions to guide moral decisions. |
| Autumn 2 |
Study of Islam Students learn about Islamic beliefs, the Five Pillars, and how Muslim faith influences daily life. |
| Spring 1 |
Introduction to Dharmic Faiths Students are introduced to Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, exploring key ideas such as karma, dharma, and enlightenment. |
| Spring 2 |
Study of Hindu Dharma Students explore Hindu beliefs about God, the self, and the cycle of life and rebirth. |
| Summer 1 |
Study of Buddhism or Sikhism Students study either Buddhism or Sikhism in depth, exploring core teachings and practices. |
| Summer 2 | |
Year 9
| Year 9 | |
| Autumn 1 |
Existence of God Students consider philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God and explore the problem of evil. |
| Autumn 2 |
Life and Death Students examine beliefs about life after death, the soul, and moral debates about euthanasia and the sanctity of life. |
| Spring 1 |
Humanity and the Earth Students explore environmental ethics, stewardship, and humanity’s responsibility towards the planet. |
| Spring 2 | |
| Summer 1 |
Reflection and Transition Students reflect on philosophical, ethical, and religious ideas in preparation for GCSE study. |
| Summer 2 | |
Year 10
| Year 10 | |
| Autumn 1 |
Study of Christianity Students study Christian beliefs and practices, including key doctrines such as salvation, incarnation, and the Trinity. |
| Autumn 2 | |
| Spring 1 |
Study of Islam Students explore Muslim beliefs about Allah, prophethood, the Qur’an, and how faith is lived through the Five Pillars. |
| Spring 2 | |
| Summer 1 |
Thematic Study: Religion and Life Students apply religious beliefs to ethical issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and environmental responsibility. |
| Summer 2 | |
Year 11
| Year 11 | |
| Autumn 1 |
Thematic Study: Religion, Peace and Conflict Students explore religious attitudes to war, forgiveness, and reconciliation. |
| Autumn 2 |
Thematic Study: Religion, Crime and Punishment Students consider religious views on justice, morality, and punishment. |
| Spring 1 |
Thematic Study: Religion, Human Rights and Social Justice Students examine equality, wealth, and discrimination through religious perspectives. |
| Spring 2 |
Revision and Exam Preparation Students consolidate learning and practise exam skills through essay and evaluation tasks. |
| Summer 1 | |
| Summer 2 | |
Assessment
| Focus | Assessment Type | |
| Year 7 | End of unit assessments on each Abrahamic faith. | Short written tasks and reflection projects. |
| Year 8 | End of unit assessments on Islam and Dharmic faiths. | Extended writing and knowledge quizzes. |
| Year 9 | Philosophy and Ethics assessments. | Essay-based evaluations and debates. |
| Year 10 | GCSE Paper 1: Christianity and Islam. | Practice exam questions and mock exams. |
| Year 11 | GCSE Paper 2: Thematic Studies. | Full mock exams and timed essay practice. |
Exam Board Link(s)
Extracurricular Opportunities
- Trips to local places of worship (church, mosque, gurdwara, synagogue).
- NATRE Spirited Arts Competition.
- Guest speakers from various faiths and humanist organisations.
Careers
Where can Religious Education qualifications take you?
- Law and Criminology
- Social Work and Counselling
- Journalism and Media
- Education and Youth Work
- International Relations
- Medical Ethics
Learning Beyond the Curriculum
Podcasts
For Year 7–8 (ages 11–13):
- The RE Podcast (BBC Sounds / Spotify) – Short, interesting episodes about religion, beliefs, and current ethical questions.
- The Week Junior Show – Covers world news and issues, often linking to moral and ethical debates.
- Short & Curly (ABC Radio) – A fantastic ethics podcast for young people that explores questions like “Is it ever OK to lie?” or “Can you be friends with a robot?”
For Year 9–11:
- Philosophy Bites – Bite-sized interviews with philosophers exploring topics like truth, morality, and justice.
- The School of Life Podcast – Thoughtful reflections on how philosophy helps us understand emotions, relationships, and meaning.
- The Big Questions with Robert Lawrence Kuhn – Explores deeper topics such as consciousness, belief, and God in an accessible way.
- In Our Time: Religion (BBC Radio 4) – Explores key religious thinkers, movements, and ideas in history.
Websites
For Year 7–8:
- BBC Bitesize: Religious Studies – Great for revision, short videos, and introductions to world religions.
- TrueTube – Great for videos on key concepts, beliefs and practices.
For Year 9–11:
- The British Museum – Faith Galleries – Virtual tours and artefacts exploring the impact of religion through history.
- Theos Think Tank – Articles and podcasts linking religion, ethics, and society.
Books
For Year 7–8:
- The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba – A true story about perseverance, belief, and community.
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio – Encourages empathy and kindness through a story about difference and acceptance.
- The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff – Explains Eastern philosophy through the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh.
- The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry – A gentle introduction to meaning, love, and what really matters in life.
- Who Are You? by DK Books – A fun, illustrated guide to identity, belief, and self-discovery.
For Year 9–11:
- Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder – A brilliant introduction to philosophy told through a mystery story.
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl – A powerful reflection on hope, faith, and purpose.
- The Case for God by Karen Armstrong – A thoughtful look at why faith still matters today.
- The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt – Connects ancient wisdom and modern psychology to explore what makes us flourish.
- The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins – A more advanced, critical perspective on religion, suitable for older students.
Films and Documentaries
For Year 7–8:
- Inside Out (Disney/Pixar) – A fun exploration of emotions, empathy, and what it means to be human.
- The Prince of Egypt – An animated retelling of the story of Moses and faith in difficult times.
- Paddington 2 – A story about kindness, community, and forgiveness.
- Life of Pi – A beautiful film exploring faith, storytelling, and survival (suitable for upper KS3).
- Coco (Disney) – Explores family, remembrance, and the Mexican Day of the Dead tradition.
For Year 9–11:
- The Good Place (TV series) – A clever, funny take on ethics and what makes a good life.
- The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas – Raises moral questions about prejudice, innocence, and human compassion.
- A Beautiful Mind – Explores truth, reality, and understanding of the self.
- The Social Dilemma (Netflix) – Investigates modern ethical issues in technology and social media.
- The Buddha (PBS Documentary) – A visual introduction to the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama.
Interactive Ideas and Extra Exploration
All ages:
- Virtual Museum Tours – Visit the Vatican Museum, The British Museum, or The Metropolitan Museum of Art online to explore religious artefacts.
- Create a Faith Scrapbook – Collect articles, quotes, or images showing how faith and philosophy appear in everyday life.
- Join Debate Club or RE Club – Discuss big ethical and philosophical questions with others.
Older Students
TED Talks to Explore:
- “What Makes a Good Life?” – Robert Waldinger
- “The Danger of a Single Story” – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- “My Year Reading a Book from Every Country” – Ann Morgan
- “The Power of Vulnerability” – Brené Brown
