RE

Subject Leader: Mrs E Nottage

 

Department Staff Teaching

 

  • Mrs E Nottage - Subject Leader
  • Mr J Sladden
  • Mrs J Jackson - (part-time - maternity leave July 2026-January 2027)
  • Mrs V Thornhill - (part-time)

 

RE 

All students will gain a foundational understanding of major religious traditions and how their beliefs and practices have shaped and influenced the world we live in today. 

Particular focus is given to Christianity where we explore major theological and philosophical concepts. We explore how these beliefs impact an individual’s worldview, behaviour and morality. Through the study of ethics students have the opportunity to explore the key ethical issues which society faces today. Students will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to be able to reach their own judgements upon these ethical issues. In our exploration of Philosophy, we look at foundational arguments for and against the existence of God, how we can understand ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ and epistemology. To broaden the students’ knowledge of world faiths, we look at Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism independently. This enhances the students’ understanding of a diverse range of cultures and will help students to make sense of the world.

Students will leave Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School with a deep knowledge of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics. They will have an appreciation of cultural diversity and will have honed key skills such as: analytical and critical thinking; the ability to work with abstract ideas; and written and research skills.

 

KS3 Religious Education 

At Key Stage 3, students begin by exploring the Abrahamic religions, with a particular focus on Christianity, Judaism and Islam. In Year 7, students study the overarching narratives of the Old and New Testaments, the life and teachings of Jesus and the origins of monotheistic belief through Abraham. They examine how the three Abrahamic faiths developed from these shared foundations and explore both the similarities and differences between them. Throughout the course, students develop an understanding of diversity within religious traditions and consider the influence of religion and belief in contemporary Britain and the wider world.


As students progress through Key Stage 3, they broaden their understanding of other major world religions, including Sikhism, Hinduism and Buddhism. They explore how religious beliefs shape practices and ways of life, while investigating key concepts such as God, salvation, suffering and life after death. Students are encouraged to think critically about religious, ethical and philosophical issues. They analyse a range of religious and non-religious viewpoints and engage with questions such as: Does God exist? What is the purpose of life? How should humans treat animals? During the summer term of Year 8, students work collaboratively with the History Department to study the Holocaust. From a Religious Education perspective, they examine themes of prejudice, discrimination and antisemitism, considering the impact of these attitudes both historically and in the modern world.

While Christianity remains a central focus throughout Key Stage 3, students also encounter a range of world religions and non-religious worldviews. This breadth of study enables them to deepen their understanding of different cultures, beliefs and values, while developing respect, empathy and critical thinking skills.

 

KS4 Religious Education

At Key Stage 4, students follow the AQA GCSE Religious Studies Short Course specification. The course is assessed through one examination and is divided into two sections: The Study of Religions: Beliefs, and Teachings and Thematic Studies: Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies.


In Section A, students study the core beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity and Buddhism. In Section B, students explore the themes of Relationships and Families and Religion, Peace and Conflict and Religion. Through these topics, students engage with questions about belief, values, meaning, truth and purpose, while considering a range of religious and non-religious perspectives. Throughout the course, students develop valuable transferable skills, including critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, research and the ability to engage confidently with challenging ideas. These skills support success across the wider curriculum and prepare students for further study and employment.