The Team and Facilities:

We have a dedicated team of Religious Studies specialists. We are a small but diverse, committed and passionate team. Our lessons and classrooms are well resourced and contain a wide variety of religious and philosophical books that students of all ages can access.

As part of our enrichment programme, pupils have opportunities to visit places of worship within Slough and hear from faith speakers who visit the school through the Wexham Faith Talks series.

Key Stage 3

At the start of secondary school, we believe it is important for students to reflect on their own beliefs and learn about the beliefs of their new classmates. Throughout Years 7, 8 and 9, we encourage students to share and explore their own faith, beliefs and perspectives.

We study all the major world religions, as well as non-religious worldviews. Students enjoy their lessons and often leave the classroom continuing to debate the issues introduced during the lesson.

We follow a curriculum designed to be academically rigorous and challenging that draws upon the Pan-Berkshire Locally Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. The curriculum explores classical theology while also addressing contemporary issues relating to religion. Throughout the course, we promote and celebrate difference within an environment where all students, regardless of faith or non-faith, gender, ethnicity or ability, feel safe, valued and able to contribute.

Key Stage 4

Religious Studies is a core subject at GCSE, and all students follow a course accredited by AQA. Students learn how to apply their literacy skills to produce well-reasoned responses to essay-based questions.

Throughout the course, students evaluate and reflect on their own work and the work of their peers, enabling them to improve and reach their full potential. Communication skills are central to the learning process, as is the ability to develop personal opinions supported by justification and evidence. The course also helps to prepare students for further education and their future careers.

The religions currently studied are Christianity and Islam. The thematic units are:

• Relationships and Families
• Religion and Life
• Peace and Conflict
• Crime and Punishment

Key Stage 5

At Key Stage 5, students can choose to study Philosophy and Ethics, which includes an in-depth study of Christianity.

Students are required to examine Christian beliefs, teachings, values and practices, as well as the different ways in which these are expressed in the lives of individuals, communities and societies.

Students find the course extremely challenging but highly rewarding. We read extensively and write a significant number of essays. We make no apologies for this rigorous approach, and with the expert support of our teachers, students make significant progress in their academic writing. This is particularly valuable for the many students who go on to study at university.

Students also have opportunities to hear from speakers representing religious and non-religious worldviews within the local community, who explore a range of ethical and philosophical issues.

Please see links below for the Religious Studies Curriculum Intent and easy-read curriculum map, which explains what your child is learning and when throughout the year.