The Religious Education Curriculum at Moorside equips students with explicit knowledge on Religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism. This embeds key religious knowledge for pupils to utilise further onto the course whilst simultaneously allowing appreciation for British values, tolerance and diversity.

Year 7 Religious Education – Christianity & Islam
In this unit, students will explore two of the world’s major religions: Christianity and Islam. They will learn about key beliefs, practices, and traditions, as well as how these faiths shape the lives of their followers today. Through discussion, reflection, and creative activities, students will develop an understanding of similarities and differences between the two religions, encouraging respect, curiosity, and critical thinking about faith and values.

Year 8 Religious Education – Sikhism, Judaism & Evidence of God
In this unit, students will study Sikhism and Judaism, exploring their key beliefs, practices, and the impact these faiths have on the lives of their followers. They will also examine different arguments and evidence about the existence of God, encouraging critical thinking, respectful discussion, and a deeper understanding of how people express and justify their beliefs.

Year 9 Religious Education – Ethics, Prejudice & Forgiveness
In this unit, students will explore key ethical themes such as the “lesser of two evils,” prejudice and discrimination, and ideas of justice and forgiveness. They will examine real-life examples, religious and non-religious perspectives, and develop their own views through discussion and debate. This unit encourages critical thinking, empathy, and an understanding of how moral decisions are made in today’s world.

Year 10 Religious Education – GCSE AQA Course
In Year 10, students begin the AQA GCSE Religious Studies course. They study key beliefs, teachings and practices from Christianity and Islam, alongside ethical themes such as Relationships and Life Issues and Crime and Conflict. This course develops students’ knowledge, evaluation skills and ability to express well-reasoned arguments about religious and moral issues, preparing them for their GCSE exams.

Year 11 Religious Education – GCSE AQA Course
In Year 11, students continue their AQA GCSE Religious Studies course, focusing on key ethical and philosophical themes. These include:

• Relationships and Families
• Religion and Life (including issues such as abortion, euthanasia and animal rights)
• Peace and Conflict (including war, terrorism and justice)
• Crime and Punishment (including justice, forgiveness and the death penalty)

Students will deepen their understanding of religious and non-religious views on these topics, developing critical thinking, evaluation skills and the ability to form well-reasoned arguments in preparation for their final GCSE exams.

Curriculum Overview: