Religious Studies

The Religious Studies curriculum fits with our whole school aims by ensuring that students acquire core knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and practices of the religions and worldviews which not only shape their history and culture, but which guide their own development. The modern world needs young people who are sufficiently confident in their own beliefs and values that they can respect the religious and cultural differences of everyone around us and contribute to a cohesive and compassionate society.

Students do this within their learning journey of Religious Studies at The Grange school. The Religious Studies curriculum is designed with the Buckinghamshire agreed syllabus.  The curriculum entails Big Questions, looking at religious aspects thematically. Within classroom, students are encouraged to ask questions allowing them to think critically. Within GCSE content students study sources of authority and develop judgements about the nature and value of religious concepts.

Teachers facilitate this by having an ebullient and infectious passion for religion and world views. This passion creates curiosity, promotes independence and develops critical thinking in our students.

RS provides a vital opportunity for pupils to develop their SMSC. SMSC runs through the subject. Lessons allow students to explore cultural aspects of religion, such as how they relate to life in the modern world. Our KS3 curriculum provides a space for all pupils to develop their spiritual and moral values. This is enabled by learning the 6 major religions of the world as well as through learning of some newly emerging spiritualities such as Humanism.

We follow the AQA exam specification for KS4, and we are the only school in Aylesbury that offer two courses that promote inclusivity for all our students at The Grange. We offer the option of choosing Christianity and Buddhist philosophy or Christianity and Islamic faith for their GCSE options. Students also learn important thematic content within KS4 curriculum, which entails vital topics such as Relationships and families, Human Rights, Peace and conflict and Crime and punishment. All these topics allow pupils to enhance their analytical writings skills as well as to improve critical thinking skills. In KS5 we follow the OCR exam specification, and we look at the development of Christian thought, ethics and philosophy in depth and delve into scholarly theories in greater detail.

RS also makes a key contribution to the whole school ethos. The school motto of WE CAN runs throughout, with the use of questioning, accepting and debating other views, respectful listening, independent work and questioning.