The Religious Education curriculum at Thornhill Community Academy provides students with a rich knowledge of a range of religions, traditions and worldviews. The Religious Education curriculum seeks to equip students with substantive, disciplinary and personal knowledge via the study of religions, traditions and non-religious worldviews. The curriculum does not endorse one belief over another, or religious beliefs over non-religious beliefs. Rather it seeks to provide opportunity for rich discourse between religions studied and pupils’ own ways of seeing the world. It provides an opportunity for pupils to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences in the light of their study.

Religious Education is a rigorous subject which uses a range of academic disciplines in age-appropriate ways in order to prepare pupils for adult life in modern diverse Britain. The curriculum provides opportunity for pupils to enquire into human questions, supports problem solving and critical thinking skills. For example, the meaning of their existence and their purpose in life. The Religious Education curriculum seeks to nurture informed and resilient responses to misunderstanding, stereotyping and division. It offers a place in the curriculum where difficult or ‘risky’ questions can be tackled within a safe but challenging context. 

Description of the course at Key Stage 3
The Religious Education curriculum within KS3 provides students with an ambitious programme of study which is designed to give students a well-rounded, Religious Education. Students receive a discreet 1-hour lesson per week which is delivered by teachers with secure subject knowledge. The Kirklees Agreed Syllabus has been used as a basis for the development of a curriculum of study at Thornhill Community Academy. 

Units of work across Key Stage 3 are sequenced in such a way to enable students to build upon the knowledge they study, unit on unit and prepare them for study at key Stage 4. Each unit has a specific theme in which students enquire into human questions about religion, tradition and non-religious worldviews. Over the course of a year, pupils’ study four ten-week units of work. Schemes of learning are well sequenced to enable pupils to develop deep accurate representations of religion, traditions and non-religious worldviews. The Religious Education curriculum enables learners to retain and deploy learning and build on what they learn term by term, year on year.  

Key Stage 4 Core Religious Education

In Y10 & Y11 students receive one hour per fortnight of Religious Education as a discreet lesson. This builds on the knowledge and understanding developed at KS3 and seeks to prepare students for life in Modern Britain Post 16.

The KS4 Non-Examined Religion and Ethics (RE) curriculum seeks to provide students with a broad and balanced understanding of diverse religious beliefs, ethical perspectives, and worldviews. Units such as Beyond the Big Six and Philosophy and Ethics are designed to engage students and develop critical thinking, empathy, and moral reasoning skills, encouraging them to reflect on their own values and the beliefs of others in a respectful and informed manner.

Through engaging with contemporary issues and fundamental questions about meaning, purpose, and ethics, students are equipped to navigate a complex and multicultural society with confidence and open-mindedness. The KS4 units fosters skills such as respectful dialogue, ethical decision-making, and cultural awareness, which are essential for responsible citizenship and personal development.

As students transition beyond KS4, this non-examined RE experience prepares them for life post-16 by:

• Enhancing their ability to engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives in further education, training, and the workplace.
• Encouraging lifelong curiosity about ethical issues and cultural diversity, supporting personal growth and social responsibility.
• Building foundational skills in analysis, reflection, and communication that are transferable to a wide range of academic subjects and career paths.
• Supporting their development as well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to their communities and the wider world.

Why GCSE Religious Studies?

GCSE Religious Studies is a dynamic and thought-provoking subject that encourages students to explore the beliefs, values and ethical issues that shape individuals and societies. Through discussion, debate and critical thinking, students learn to consider different perspectives, develop well-reasoned arguments and reflect on their own views with confidence and respect. Religious Studies connects classroom learning with the real world, encouraging students to explore the beliefs, values and issues that continue to shape society today. The course develops curiosity, empathy, cultural understanding and the confidence to engage with complex issues, supporting students' personal development while equipping them with the analytical, communication and evaluation skills that are valued in further education, employment and life.

Description of the course

Students will study GCSE Religious Studies, exam board AQA, specification 8062. The course explores Christian and Islamic beliefs, teachings and practices, alongside contemporary ethical issues that are relevant to life in modern Britain and the wider world.

Paper 1 – The Study of Religions: Beliefs, Teachings and Practices

You will study two religions:

Christianity

• Beliefs and teachings
• Practices

Islam

• Beliefs and teachings
• Practices

Paper 2 – Thematic Studies

You will study four contemporary themes from a religious perspective:

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

How is the course assessed?

Two externally assessed examinations, both taken at the end of Year 11.

Paper 1 – The Study of Religions

• Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 50% of the qualification
• 96 marks (plus 3 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar)

Paper 2 – Thematic Studies

• Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 50% of the qualification
• 96 marks (plus 3 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar)

Other information

This course is suitable for all students. Prior knowledge of Christianity and Islam is helpful but not essential.

Right to Withdraw from RE
The law gives parents the right to withdraw their child from Religious Education lessons, in accordance with the 1988 Education Reform Act. Further information can be found in the document below.

Curriculum Plans
Curriculum plans for Religious Education can be viewed from the links below.