Religious Education Curriculum
Exploring faith, values and the world around us
Why study Religious Education?
What RE develops
- Insight into diverse beliefs and cultures
- Your ability to question critically
- The skill of evaluation
- Sharpens your reasoning skills
Student voice
“RE helps me to understand the views of others. I really enjoy taking part in debates as a class.” Joseph, Year 8
Key Stage 3 RE– Cycle Overview
Cycle 1
Year 7- Creation and Covenant
Knowledge focus
- The Bible
- Creation
- Stewardship
- Religious Art
- Prayer
Branch 2: Prophecy and Promise
- Using the Bible
- Old Testament
- Catholic Sources of Authority
- Bible in Mass
- Book of Kells
Key skills
- Pupils receive 8 key terms at the start of every new unit and complete a full lesson on them, using whiteboards to test their knowledge and then a test in their books
- Pupils are expected to use these key terms throughout each unit and they build upon these, by practising describe, explain and evaluate questions
- They are also taught sources of wisdom and authority, such as Bible quotes and are expected to use these when describing, explaining or evaluating the key terms.
Assessment
- Assessment Booklet Questions
- Summative Assessment
- Key Words, Describe, Explain and Evaluate Question
Key Vocabulary
Branch 1
- God
- Literal Sense
- Literary Form
- Creation
- Creationism
- Scientism
- Prayer
- Stewardship
Branch 2
- Revelation
- Scripture
- Tradition
- Magisterium
- Inspired
- Canon
- Tenakh
- Liturgy of the Word
Year 8
Knowledge focus
Branch 1: Creation and Covenant
- The Fall
- Moses and the Ten Commandments
- Conscience
- Baptism
- Love of neighbour
Branch 2: Prophecy and Promise
- Prophets - Jeremiah
- Amos
- Prophecies- warning and imagery
- Lay People
- Advent
- Christmas
Key skills
- Pupils receive 8 key terms at the start of every new unit and complete a full lesson on them, using whiteboards to test their knowledge and then a test in their books
- Pupils are expected to use these key terms throughout each unit and they build upon these, by practising describe, explain and evaluate questions
- They are also taught sources of wisdom and authority, such as Bible quotes and are expected to use these when describing, explaining or evaluating the key terms.
Assessment
- Assessment Booklet Questions
- Summative Assessment
- Key Words, Describe, Explain and Evaluate Question
Key Vocabulary
Year 8 Branch 2
- The Fall
- Original Sin
- Sinai Covenant
- Decalogue
- Freedom
- Responsibility
- Conscience
- Baptism
Branch 2
- Prophet
- Priest
- King
- Messianic
- Advent
- Amos
- Elijah
- John the Baptist
Year 9
Knowledge focus
Branch 1: Creation and Covenant
- Genesis and Humans
- Sanctity of Life
- Sacrament of Matrimony
- Ethical Issues- IVF, Euthanasia
- Human Trafficking
Branch 2: Prophecy and Promise
- Mary as the New Eve
- Women in the Old Testament
- Mary as a role model
- The Magnificat
- Marian Devotions
Key skills
- Pupils receive 8 key terms at the start of every new unit and complete a full lesson on them, using whiteboards to test their knowledge and then a test in their books
- Pupils are expected to use these key terms throughout each unit and they build upon these, by practising describe, explain and evaluate questions
- They are also taught sources of wisdom and authority, such as Bible quotes and are expected to use these when describing, explaining or evaluating the key terms.
Assessment
- Assessment Booklet Questions
- Summative Assessment
- Key Words, Describe, Explain and Evaluate Question
Key Vocabulary
Year 9 Branch 3
- Imago Dei
- Inalienable Dignity
- Human Person
- Relational
- Rational
- Volitional
- Sanctity of Life
- Sacrament of Matrimony
Branch 2
- Typology
- Protoevangelium
- Mother of God
- Immaculate Conception
- Our Lady
- New Eve
- Magnificat
- The Rosary
Cycle 2
Year 7
Knowledge focus
Branch 3: Galilee to Jerusalem
- Incarnation
- Jesus’ Titles
- Trinity
- Trinity in Worship
- Trinity in Art
Branch 4: Desert to Garden
- Paschal Mystery
- Sacraments
- The Last Supper
- Eucharist
- Mass
Key skills
- Pupils receive 8 key terms at the start of every new unit and complete a full lesson on them, using whiteboards to test their knowledge and then a test in their books
- Pupils are expected to use these key terms throughout each unit and they build upon these, by practising describe, explain and evaluate questions
- They are also taught sources of wisdom and authority, such as Bible quotes and are expected to use these when describing, explaining or evaluating the key terms.
Assessment
- Assessment Booklet Questions
Key Vocabulary
Branch 3
- Incarnation
- Omnipotent
- Trinity
- Devotion
- Omnibenevolent
- Son of God
- Eschatology
- Monotheistic
Branch 4
- Paschal Mystery
- Sacrament
- Passover
- Eucharist
- Sacrifice of the Mass
- Transubstantiation
- Holy Communion
- Blessed Sacrament
Year 8
Knowledge focus
Branch 3: Galilee to Jerusalem
- Kingdom of God
- Jesus and the marginalised
- Parables
- Miracles
- Lourdes
Branch 4: Desert to Garden
- Why do we suffer
- Meaning of suffering
- Jesus as a suffering servant
- Lent
- Easter Triduum
Key skills
- Pupils receive 8 key terms at the start of every new unit and complete a full lesson on them, using whiteboards to test their knowledge and then a test in their books
- Pupils are expected to use these key terms throughout each unit and they build upon these, by practising describe, explain and evaluate questions
- They are also taught sources of wisdom and authority, such as Bible quotes and are expected to use these when describing, explaining or evaluating the key terms.
Assessment
- Assessment Booklet Questions
Key Vocabulary
Branch 3
- Kingdom
- Moral Sense of Scripture
- Parables
- Miracles
- Anointing of the Sick
- Marginalisation
- Heaven
- Atonement
Branch 4
- Suffering Servant
- Passion
- Suffering
- Lent
- Problem of Evil
- Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Triduum
- Fasting, Almsgiving and Prayer
Year 9
Knowledge focus
Branch 3: Galilee to Jerusalem
- Mark’s Gospel
- The Call of the first disciples
- Discipleship
- Religious Life
- Ordination
Branch 4: Desert to Garden
- Sinai Covenant
- Jesus as the Lamb of God
- Sin
- Forgiveness
- Restorative Justice
Key skills
- Pupils receive 8 key terms at the start of every new unit and complete a full lesson on them, using whiteboards to test their knowledge and then a test in their books
- Pupils are expected to use these key terms throughout each unit and they build upon these, by practising describe, explain and evaluate questions
- They are also taught sources of wisdom and authority, such as Bible quotes and are expected to use these when describing, explaining or evaluating the key terms.
Assessment
- Assessment Booklet Questions
Key Vocabulary
Branch 3
- Discipleship
- Vocation
- Holy Orders
- Deacon, Priest, Bishop
- Religious Life
- Poverty
- Chastity
- Obedience
Branch 4
- Church
- Communion of Saints
- Church on Earth
- Church in Heaven
- Church being purified
- Saints
- Angels
- Purgatory
Cycle 3
Year 7
Knowledge focus
Branch 5: To the Ends of the Earth
- St Luke
- Holy Spirit
- The Church
- Confirmation
- Pentecost
Branch 6: Dialogue and Encounter
- Church Councils
- Denominations Ecumenism
- Interfaith Dialogue: Introduction to Islam- Muhammad (PBUH), Mosque, Five Pillars, Hajj, Eid
Key skills
- Pupils receive 8 key terms at the start of every new unit and complete a full lesson on them, using whiteboards to test their knowledge and then a test in their books
- Pupils are expected to use these key terms throughout each unit and they build upon these, by practising describe, explain and evaluate questions
- They are also taught sources of wisdom and authority, such as Bible quotes and are expected to use these when describing, explaining or evaluating the key terms.
Assessment
- Assessment Booklet Questions
- Summative Assessment – Key Words, Describe, Explain and Evaluate Question
Key Vocabulary
Year 7 Branch 5
- Holy Spirit
- Pentecost
- Ruah
- People of God
- Body of Christ
- Temple of the Holy Spirit
- Confirmation
- Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Branch 6
- Ecumenism
- Schism
- Dogma
- Christian Unity
- Muhammad (PBUH)
- Qur'an
- Mosque
- Five Pillars
Year 8
Knowledge focus
Branch 5: To the Ends of the Earth
- Resurrection
- Central Truth
- Catholic view of Life after Death
- Humanist view of Life after Death
- Resurrection in Art
Branch 6: Dialogue and Encounter
- Ecclesiam Suam
- Ukranian Greek Catholic Church
- Interfaith Dialogue
Key skills
- Pupils receive 8 key terms at the start of every new unit and complete a full lesson on them, using whiteboards to test their knowledge and then a test in their books
- Pupils are expected to use these key terms throughout each unit and they build upon these, by practising describe, explain and evaluate questions
- They are also taught sources of wisdom and authority, such as Bible quotes and are expected to use these when describing, explaining or evaluating the key terms.
Assessment
- Assessment Booklet Questions
- Summative Assessment – Key Words, Describe, Explain and Evaluate Question
Key Vocabulary
Year 8 Branch 5
- Resurrection
- Death
- Heaven
- Hell
- Purgatory
- Judgement
- Funeral Rite
- Requiem
Branch 6
- Dialogue
- Proclamation
- Second Vatican Council
- Patrimony
- Brahman
- Deity
- Karma
- Polytheistic
Year 9
Knowledge focus
Branch 5: To the Ends of the Earth
- Church as the Body of Christ
- Church on Earth
- Church in Heaven
- Saints
- Angels
Branch 6: Dialogue and Encounter
- Interfaith Dialogue: Introduction to Judaism- Almighty, Messiah, Abraham, Moses, Life after Death
Key skills
- Pupils receive 8 key terms at the start of every new unit and complete a full lesson on them, using whiteboards to test their knowledge and then a test in their books
- Pupils are expected to use these key terms throughout each unit and they build upon these, by practising describe, explain and evaluate questions
- They are also taught sources of wisdom and authority, such as Bible quotes and are expected to use these when describing, explaining or evaluating the key terms.
Assessment
- Assessment Booklet Questions
- Summative Assessment – Key Words, Describe, Explain and Evaluate Question
Key Vocabulary
Year 9 Branch 5
- Church
- Communion of Saints
- Church on Earth
- Church in Heaven
- Church being purified
- Saints
- Angels
- Purgatory
Branch 6
- Intercultural Dialogue
- Common Good
- Development of Society
- Worldview
- Synagogue
- Shabbat
- Torah
- Covenant
Key Stage 4 Religious Education
Cycle 1
Year 10- Judaism: Jewish Practices
Knowledge focus
Worship and Community
- Role of the Synagogue, prayer practices, Shabbat observance, and worship traditions.
Festivals and Holy Days
- Major Jewish festivals including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Passover.
Lifestyle and Law
- Keeping Kosher and other practices that guide daily life according to Jewish law
FCT: Origins and Meaning
Origins and Creation
- Creation of the universe (Big Bang), creation of life, evolution, and the Genesis accounts of God, humanity, and stewardship.
Ethics and Moral Issues
- The different views on Abortion
Human Responsibility
- Stewardship of creation and how these beliefs influence attitudes toward the environment and life.
Key skills
- Pupils are expected to use key terminology and refer to sources of wisdom and authority when describing, explaining or evaluating the key concepts.
- Pupils are encouraged to compare Catholic and Jewish beliefs across these areas.
Assessment
- Formative assessment style questions include:
- key terms
- B, C, D questions
- Summative Assessment on Judaism
- Key terms
- B and C question
Key Vocabulary
Jewish Practices:
- Synagogue
- Shekhinah
- Shabbat
- Kosher
- Torah
- Mitzvot
- Messiah
- Covenant
Origins and Meaning:
- Creation ex nihilo
- Transcendence
- Omnipotence
- Evolution
- Imago Dei
- Inspiration
- Revelation
- Stewardship
Year 11- ACT: Life and Death, ACT: Sin and Forgiveness
Knowledge focus
Death and Ethical Issues
- A good death, palliative care, euthanasia, and debates about legalising euthanasia.
Resurrection and Eschatology
- Did Jesus resurrect? Beliefs about resurrection of the body and soul, and the Four Last Things (death, judgment, heaven, hell).
Symbols and Artefacts
- Religious artefacts like sarcophagi and the Paschal candle, and their significance in Catholic tradition.
Funeral Practices and Worship
- Catholic funeral rites, music in funerals and worship, and prayers for the dead.
Authority and Teaching
- The role of the Magisterium and the Second Vatican Council in shaping Catholic beliefs and practices.
Crime and Justice
- Crime, aims of punishment, and ethical considerations around justice.
Forgiveness
- The role and importance of forgiveness in moral and religious contexts.
Capital Punishment
- Debates and perspectives on the use of the death penalty
Key skills
- Pupils are expected to use key terminology and refer to sources of wisdom and authority when describing, explaining or evaluating the key concepts.
- Pupils are encouraged to compare different beliefs in D style questions
Assessment
- Formative assessment style questions on life and death including:
- Key terms test
- B, C, D questions
- Summative Prelim Exam on FCT content
- Formative assessment style question on sin and forgiveness including:
- Key terms test
- B and C question
Key Vocabulary
Life and Death:
- Death
- Eternal life
- Heaven
- Hell
- Judgment
- Magisterium
- Resurrection
- Soul
Sin and Forgiveness:
- Absolutism
- Eucharist
- Evangelisation
- Forgiveness
- Punishment
- Relativism
- Salvation
- Sin
Cycle 2
Year 10- FCT: Origins and Meaning
Knowledge focus
Sacred Texts and Symbolism
- What the Bible is, the Image of God concept, symbolism like the Tree of Life, and Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam.
Ethics and Moral Issues
- Catholic Social Teaching, and perspectives from Humanism and Peter Singer.
Interfaith and Dialogue
- The role and importance of interfaith dialogue in promoting understanding between religions.
Key skills
- Pupils are expected to use key terminology and refer to sources of wisdom and authority when describing, explaining or evaluating the key concepts.
- Pupils are encouraged to compare Catholic and Jewish beliefs across these areas.
Assessment
- Formative assessment style questions include:
- B, C, D questions
- Summative Assessment on Origins and Meaning
- Good and Evil
- Key Terms
- B and C question
Key Vocabulary
Good and Evil
- Conscience
- Evil
- Free Will
- Goodness
- Incarnation
- Natural Law
- Privation
- Suffering
Year 11- ACT: Sin and Forgiveness continued
Salvation and Redemption
- Beliefs about redemption, salvation, and the Paschal Mystery.
Heaven, Hell, and Inclusivity
- Can hell exist? Can non-Christians be saved? Catholic views on eternal destiny.
Sacraments and Worship
- The seven sacraments, especially the Eucharist—its beliefs and importance.
Church and Community
- The Body of Christ, the Four Marks of the Church, Mary as a model, church architecture and interior design.
Mission and Tradition
- Evangelisation, UK Catholic traditions, and festivals.
Key skills
- Pupils are expected to use key terminology and refer to sources of wisdom and authority when describing, explaining or evaluating the key concepts.
- Pupils are encouraged to compare different beliefs in D style questions
Assessment
- Sin and Forgiveness
- B and C questions
- Prelim Exam on ACT content
- Mixture of C and D style questions in the lead up to GCSE External Examination
Key Vocabulary
Sin and Forgiveness:
- Absolutism
- Eucharist
- Evangelisation
- Forgiveness
- Punishment
- Relativism
- Salvation
- Sin
Cycle 3
Year 10- Good and Evil
Knowledge focus
Evil and Suffering
- Sources of Evil
- The Problem of Evil & Theodicies
- Free Will Defence & Mackie
- Jewish Beliefs about Evil
Authority and Tradition
- Magisterium Augustine
- St. Paul
- Scripture: Job & Jesus
Christian Beliefs
- The Trinity
- The Incarnation & Kenosis
Jesus’ Teachings and Moral Principles
- Jesus’ Teachings: Beatitudes & Sermon on the Mount
- Natural Law, Conscience, Virtues
Worship and Practice
- Worship with Statues & Pieta
- Rosary & Pilgrimage
Key skills
- Pupils are expected to use key terminology and refer to sources of wisdom and authority when describing, explaining or evaluating the key concepts.
- Pupils are encouraged to compare Catholic and Jewish beliefs across these areas.
Assessment
- Key terms test
- D style question
Mock Examination
- B and C question
Year 11-Revision and External Examinations
Key Stage 5 Philosophy and Ethics
Cycle 1
Year 12
Knowledge focus
- Ancient philosophical influences
- Soul, mind & body
- Arguments for God (observation)
- Natural Law, Situation Ethics, Utilitarianism
Key Skills
- Philosophical analysis; argument evaluation; ethical application; interpreting theology; extended writing.
Assessment
Key Vocabulary
- Forms
- Dualism
- Teleology
- Deontology
- Empiricism
- A priori
- Theodicy
- Revelation
Year 13
Knowledge focus
Key skills
- Advanced evaluation; applying ethics to complex cases; comparative theology; political theology; synoptic essays.
Assessment
Key Vocabulary
- Via Negativa
- Verificationism
- Omnipotence
- Eschatology
- Pluralism
- Secularism
- Liberation
- Intuitionism
Cycle 2
Year 12
Knowledge focus
- Problem of evil
- Arguments for God (reason)
- Religious experience
- Euthanasia, Business ethics, Kantian Ethics
Key Skills
- Philosophical analysis; argument evaluation; ethical application; interpreting theology; extended writing.
Assessment
Key Vocabulary
- Forms
- Dualism
- Teleology
- Deontology
- Empiricism
- A priori
- Theodicy
- Revelation
Year 13
Knowledge focus
Key skills
- Advanced evaluation; applying ethics to complex cases; comparative theology; political theology; synoptic essays.
Assessment
Key Vocabulary
- Via Negativa
- Verificationism
- Omnipotence
- Eschatology
- Pluralism
- Secularism
- Liberation
- Intuitionism
Cycle 3
Year 12
Knowledge focus
- Developments in Christian Thought
- Augustine’s teaching on human nature - Jesus Christ
- Knowledge of God’s existence
- Christian moral principles and action
Key Skills
- Philosophical analysis; argument evaluation; ethical application; interpreting theology; extended writing.
Assessment
Key Vocabulary
- Forms
- Dualism
- Teleology
- Deontology
- Empiricism
- A priori
- Theodicy
- Revelation
Year 13
Knowledge focus
Key skills
- Advanced evaluation; applying ethics to complex cases; comparative theology; political theology; synoptic essays.
Assessment
Key Vocabulary
- Via Negativa
- Verificationism
- Omnipotence
- Eschatology
- Pluralism
- Secularism
- Liberation
- Intuitionism
For Key Stage 5 Curriculum information please click link here to our Sixth Form Curriculum