Our vision is for pupils to become religiously literate young people who can navigate a diverse and complex world with confidence, curiosity and compassion. By the end of Key Stage 3, every student will be able to identify the key features of the six major world religions, explain their significance, and recognise both the similarities and differences within and between faith traditions. They will be equipped to see the world through multiple perspectives and engage in meaningful, informed discussion with accuracy, tolerance and diplomacy.

Our curriculum begins with a chronological exploration of the Dharmic religions, enabling students to understand how ideas develop, influence one another, and shape cultures across time. Alongside this, students engage with ethical lines of enquiry—including human rights and global justice—to deepen their awareness of the moral challenges facing the modern world.
We also prioritise personal development. Students study themes related to identity, wellbeing, and emotional health, ensuring they can reflect on their own values and experiences as well as those of others.

As pupils progress, they move into the study of the Abrahamic traditions, examining concepts of morality, responsibility and community. Through this journey, students learn not only about religion but also from it—developing the intellectual rigour, empathy and critical thinking needed to challenge prejudice, appreciate diversity, and contribute positively to society.

The Key Stage 3 Religious Education curriculum develops students’ critical religious literacy and their ability to engage thoughtfully with diverse worldviews. In Year 7, students explore Dharmic traditions, establishing a foundation for understanding global belief systems. In Year 8, they extend this knowledge through the study of Abrahamic faiths, examining key theological ideas and how these shape religious identity and practice.

Across all years, students apply religious and philosophical teachings to ethical, moral, and social issues relevant to the modern world. They learn to make synoptic links, evaluate differing viewpoints, and form reasoned judgements using clear lines of enquiry.
A core aim is to help students consider the role and relevance of religion in contemporary society. They are encouraged to challenge misconceptions, recognise prejudice, and develop respectful, informed perspectives on belief and non-belief.

This curriculum equips students to become reflective, openminded learners who can navigate complex questions about identity, meaning, and morality in the 21st century which predominantly makes up the focus for our Year 9 studies. 

Having laid the foundation of skills and knowledge across key stage 3, students will continue to apply beliefs and practices of Christianity and Islam to theme topics. From this point students will utilize the skills they have gained throughout the course to revisit old content and analyse topics with poise and sophistication. Students will be able to call a huge body of subject knowledge to memory, make clear links between units and transfer what they know to new material. Students will be equipped with the appropriate procedural and conditional knowledge they require to be successful in their GCSE examinations. Through the course of their GCSE studies they will gain a deeper theological understanding of societal principles which will help students to evaluate issues such as crime and punishment, relationships and families, and peace and conflict.  Through analysing sources of wisdom and scripture, students will develop the ability to reach justified conclusions on these issues.

Students can extend their learning beyond the classroom through:

• Philosophy and debate clubs

• Interfaith and diversity workshops

• Guest speakers from religious and community organisations

• Visits to places of worship and cultural centres

• Links to current events, human rights issues, and global case studies

• Encourage open discussion about moral questions and current events.

• Explore different cultures, traditions, and belief systems.

• Watch documentaries or read articles on ethics, religion, and philosophy.

• Support with homework by asking questions and debating viewpoints.

• Use resources such as BBC Bitesize Religious Studies or Philosophy Now.

• A Level Philosophy, Religious Studies, Ethics or Sociology

• University degrees in Theology, Philosophy, Law, Politics, International Relations, Anthropology, or Humanities subjects

EPR isn’t about telling you what to believe - it’s about giving you the tools to question, understand, and respect the world we live in.