Head of RPE: Ms R Kirkby
The study of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics develops our pupils鈥� knowledge and understanding of the religions and beliefs which form part of contemporary society. RPE provokes challenging questions about the meaning and purpose of life, beliefs and sacred teachings and how they impact practices and morality. Through our curriculum, we aim for our pupils to develop increasing religious literacy, through studying both key religious and non-religious worldviews, key philosophical debates and contemporary ethical issues.
At 糖心logo, we also believe that RPE makes a critical contribution to pupils鈥� personal development and well-being, as pupils develop core values such as mutual respect and tolerance, ultimately supporting wider community cohesion.
All pupils follow an RPE curriculum across Key Stage 3. Pupils may also choose GCSE RPE in Key Stage 4 as one of their option subjects.
Please see a brief overview for each Key Stage below, or more detailed curriculum maps (KS3 & KS4 GCSE) can be downloaded to the left of this page.
If you would like to view related Key Stage 5 courses, please click here
Key Stage 3
Year 7
Our Year 7 pupils join from a range of primary schools, so our first topic looks to build on their experiences by broadly studying all major world religions and the significance of their sacred texts. Year 7 then consider the problem of evil and evaluate Christian and atheist responses to this philosophical dilemma. Next, pupils study Hinduism, through the epic Hindu narrative of the Ramayana, before moving onto a topic about Sikhism and the importance of equality in Sikh teaching and practices.
Year 8
Year 8 begins with an in-depth study of Buddhism before moving on to ask challenging questions about the strength of evidence for life after death from theist and atheist perspectives. Year 8 continues with a further philosophy topic, learning about the arguments for the existence of God. Pupils encounter historic philosophical arguments alongside critiques from modern atheism and science and take part in a class debate. Year 8 finishes with a study of the city of Jerusalem as a sacred space for the Abrahamic faiths, considering both conflict and coexistence.
Year 9
In Year 9, pupils study the most complex and challenging topics, including ethical theories and issues of ethics in the modern world such as medical ethics, the role of AI and animal rights. To further develop religious literacy, Year 9 study the place of Islam in 21st Century Britain, as well as key themes in Judaism, before their compulsory topic on how and why we should remember the Holocaust. This is studied concurrently with their World War II topic in Year 9 History lessons.
Our KS3 classes are mixed-ability and teachers adapt work to ensure all pupils are included and fully supported. We assess pupils through a range of methods including short knowledge quizzes and end of topic written essays.
Click the downloads for more detailed curriculum and assessment information on our KS3 Curriculum.
Key Stage 4
What is RPE GCSE?
RPE GCSE is a popular GCSE option subject and we usually have 2 classes in each year. In RPE GCSE, we look at the big questions in life such as:聽Is it ever right to go to war? Is there evidence that God exists?聽Is Britain still a Christian country? Should human beings have the right to die?
What will the course look like?
Pupils undertake an in-depth study of two major world religions, Christianity and Islam, considering core beliefs and teachings, as well as divergent practices and contemporary issues within these faiths.
We also study four ethical themes through the perspective of Christianity, including:
- War & Peace
- Relationships & Families
- Existence of God
- Dialogue between religious and non-religious worldviews (including Medical Ethics).
For more specific information about the order of the curriculum and assessment, please see the GCSE RPE curriculum document on the left of this page.
What syllabus will I follow?
OCR GCSE in Religious Studies (J625)
How is the GCSE course assessed?
The course is examined in two exams at the end of the course in Year 11.
- Paper 1 (Study of Christianity & Islam) is 2 hours. (50%)
- Paper 2 (4x Ethical Themes) is 2 hours. (50%)
Are there any trips?
During the course, we take all pupils on a day trip to visit two churches of different denominations and the Cambridge Mosque. We also offer an optional 3-day trip to Rome every other year.
What skills will I develop?
By the end of the RPE GCSE course, you will be able to write persuasively, use evidence in support of arguments, and consider the impact of beliefs on actions and ethical decision-making. You will also gain critical analysis skills as well as empathy with the views of others.
What homework will I get?
糖心logowork will usually take the form of consolidation work including planning and writing exam practice questions, multiple-choice quizzes, and revision tasks for end of topic assessments.
What jobs or further courses of study might this lead to?
Pupils who have undertaken this course have often chosen to study a plethora of different subjects including:
- Philosophy
- Religious studies
- Law
- Education
- Psychology/Sociology
- Social work
- Journalism
The skills and knowledge offered by the subject does lend itself to many different paths.
Are there any entry requirements for this course?
RPE GCSE is open to students of all abilities with an interest in different beliefs, philosophical and ethical issues who like to think/discuss/critique. Pupils should be mindful that there is a significant amount of reading and writing in this subject but we are able to support pupils and adapt resources to ensure all can achieve. If you have any concerns, please do speak to your child鈥檚 RPE teacher.
If I need additional support, what can I access?
We provide students with a range of opportunities for revision both in and outside of lessons.聽 We offer lunchtime revision sessions in year 11 and will provide a comprehensive revision guide to students in preparation for mocks and final examinations. As a department we have strong links with the University of Cambridge and have been able to offer subject mentoring by trainee teachers to students needing more support. We also offer subject-mentoring by year 12 and 13 students.