Religious Education

Why Study R.E?

In RE we aim to give students the resources and skills they need to make up their own minds about moral and religious issues.   Here is what some of our students have said about the subject.

"I think R.E is an awesome subject because it's given me a chance to understand other religions and cultures and be able to respect other people's beliefs.  R.E is a subject in which you can say your opinions openly without being rude or inconsiderate to others beliefs."

"In R.E we challenge our opinions."

"I think RE is great because it lets you express yourself and you also get to hear other people's opinions and views."

"R.E helps people find themselves through beliefs, religions and opinions.  It also helps you understand other people.  In RE there is no right or wrong."

What will I study?

In years 7, 8 and 9, the curriculum falls under the guidance of the Birmingham Agreed Syllabus.   Students study a range of topics that are designed to develop their spiritual, moral, social and cultural being.  The topics have been selected carefully, taking into account student choice and modern day issues. These include, 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire?' 'Looking for God' and 'What happens when we die'.   Each topic is studied from the perspective of one or more religious tradition. The syllabus  covers the six major world religions overall, but focuses widely on Christianity (as required in the Agreed Syllabus) and the other two largely represented religions of the school and community (Islam and Sikhism). Some topics also make it possible to include lesser known religious traditions.   During the Summer Term of Year 9 all students begin a short course GCSE qualification in RE.

 An overview of the topics and a link to the Agreed Syllabus can be found here.

In years 10 and 11, all students continue to follow a short course qualification in R.E.  The chosen course gives the students the opportunity to explore both secular and religious viewpoints on a variety of issues that young people may face in today's society.

Those students who choose RE as a GCSE option will study the Edexcel Full course - Religion and Life and Religion and Society.  The course approaches a variety of issues form the perspective of those of no faith, Christianity and Islam.

Parents may withdraw their children from these arrangements if they write to the Headteacher to register their wishes.