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 study GCSE Religious Studies?
Do you enjoy discussing, debating and listening to other peoples’ points of view? If so, this course is for you. The aim of this course is to encourage you to look at decisions people have to make in our society, how they made them and who influenced them. This subject is very much based on your own views and opinions; there is lots of discussion in this course. There are many opportunities for ‘out of the academy learning’ experiences during your studies. This is a living issues course, so it is important to discuss the issues with friends and family whilst listening to and analysing responses, in light of your own learning.

Description of the course
This course is studied over three years. Different units are studied in years 9, 10 & 11. The course examines Christian, Islamic attitudes to a variety of issues.

Area of study 1 - Religion and Ethics.
You will study all four content sections and focus on the religion of Christianity:

• Beliefs
• Marriage and the family
• Living the Religious Life
• Matters of Life and Death

Area of study 2 - Religion, Peace and Conflict.
You will study all four content sections and focus on the religion of Islam:

• Beliefs
• Crime and Punishment
• Living the Religious Life
• Peace and Conflict

How the course is assessed?
Two externally assessed examinations, both at the end of Year 11, one for each topic studied.

Area of study 1 - Religion and Ethics:

• Written examination 1hour and 45 minutes
• 50% of the qualification
• 102 marks

Area of study 2 - Religion, Peace and Conflict:

• Written examination 1hour and 45 minutes
• 50% of the qualification
• 102 marks

Other information
Course particularly suited to all students. Prior knowledge of Christianity and Islam is helpful but not essential.

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