Religious Education

Religious Education Curriculum Overview

Religious Education at PACA enables students to explore the diverse beliefs, practices and philosophical ideas that shape individuals, communities and global society.

Through the study of world religions, ethics, and philosophical inquiry, students develop critical thinking, empathy, cultural literacy and the ability to respectfully question and debate. Our curriculum builds a strong foundation across Key Stage 3 and prepares students for the rigours of the GCSE course at Key Stage 4.

Key Stage 3

Year 7: Introduction, Festivals & Foundations of Belief

Students begin by exploring what religion is, why people hold beliefs, and how faith influences daily life. Throughout the year they examine key festivals, worldviews and foundational concepts in RE.

Units of Study

• Introduction to Religious Education
• Winter Festivals (Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, Advent, Nativity)
• Critical Thinking (argument, perception, infinity, AI)
• Spring Festivals (Holi, Majha Puja, Vaisakhi, Easter)
• Islam (Five Pillars, beliefs, practices)
• Pilgrimage (Hajj, Lourdes, Ganges, Vatican, Golden Temple)
  
  

Key Learning

• What religion/belief is and why it matters
• How faith impacts individuals and communities
• Understanding major global festivals and symbols
• Developing early evaluative and critical thinking skills
• Exploring Islamic belief and practice
• Investigating pilgrimage as a spiritual discipline

Year 8: World Religions, Social Justice & Ultimate Questions

Year 8 deepens students’ understanding of global faith traditions while introducing important ethical and social concepts.

Units of Study

• Judaism (Torah, Passover, Kashrut, Synagogue, Yom Kippur)
• Christianity (Trinity, Jesus, worship, church, history)
• Social Justice (equality, human rights, economic inequality)
• Hinduism (Trimurti, Ramayana, Puja, origins, beliefs)
• Buddhism (Dharma, Noble Eightfold Path, symbols, life of Buddha)
• Life After Death (heaven/hell, reincarnation, spirits, Humanist views)
  
  

Key Learning

• Comparing core beliefs across world religions
• Understanding sacred texts, rituals and worship
• Exploring fairness, rights and justice
• Interpreting philosophical ideas about life after death
• Evaluating different religious and non-religious perspectives

Year 9: Ethics, Philosophy & Contemporary Issues

Year 9 provides students with the analytical skills they need as they transition toward GCSE RE. They engage with ethical theories, modern moral issues and philosophical inquiry. 

Units of Study

• Introduction to Ethics (utilitarianism, egoism, authority, climate change, animals)
• Crime & Punishment (capital punishment, aims of punishment, religious responses)
• War & Peace (just war, holy war, pacifism, WMD, UN conventions)
• Gender (stereotyping, media, inequality, gender in religion)
• Introduction to Philosophy (epistemology, time, religion, aesthetics, problem of evil)
• Consumer Ethics (Fairtrade, ethical fashion, business ethics)
  
  

Key Learning

• Applying ethical theories to real-world situations
• Analysing philosophical questions about truth, morality and existence
• Understanding global conflict and peace-making
• Examining gender equality and representation
• Investigating modern consumer responsibility

Key Stage 4 

Years 10–11: GCSE Ethics

Students follow a structured programme exploring Christianity, Islam and thematic ethical units. Key Stage 4 builds on the knowledge, skills and evaluative thinking developed in KS3. 

Year 10 Units

• Christian Beliefs (nature of God, creation, afterlife, Jesus’ life, salvation)
• Christian Practices (worship, prayer, sacraments, pilgrimage, celebrations)
• Muslim Beliefs (articles of faith, Tawhid, angels, predestination, prophets)
• Religion, Relationships & Families (marriage, contraception, equality, roles)
• Muslim Practices (Five Pillars, Ten Obligatory Acts, festivals, jihad)
• Religion, Crime & Punishment (forgiveness, aims of punishment, death penalty) 

Year 11 Units

• Religion, Human Rights & Social Justice (prejudice, wealth, poverty, charity)
• Religion, Peace & Conflict (war, pacifism, terrorism, nuclear weapons)
• Revision & Exam Preparation
  
  

Key Learning at KS4

• Understanding and evaluating religious teachings
• Applying beliefs to moral and philosophical issues
• Developing structured, evidence-based written responses
• Preparing for thematic and belief-based examination questions

The GCSE specification is available here: GCSE Religious Studies 8062 | Specification | AQA

Enrichment & Wider Opportunities

Students experience RE beyond the classroom through:

• Visits linked to places of worship and ethical issues
• Opportunities for debate, social action and philosophical discussion
• Projects exploring diversity, social justice and community cohesion