Religious Studies

Overall Religious Studies Intent: 

• To engage students in systematic enquiry into significant human questions which religion and worldviews address. Students develop the skills to appreciate different cultures and societies through knowledge and understanding of diverse religious and non-religious beliefs and practices. 
• Students think critically and analytically about personal and controversial issues. 
• Students have the confidence to develop and articulate their own independent judgements. 

Key strengths of the curriculum

• We largely follow the current North Yorkshire Locally Agreed Syllabus (2024-2029), this provides many opportunities for RS teaching and learning to challenge stereotypical views and to appreciate difference and diversity positively.
• Curriculum is planned to enhance cultural capital with focus on religious and non-religious Worldviews, and thematic units at GCSE allowing for discussion of contemporary moral issues.
• The RS curriculum at HGS enables all pupils to consider the impact of people’s beliefs on their actions and ways of life. 
• The RS curriculum contributes to pupils’ personal development, SMSC and British Values.
• RS lessons are a safe space for students to ask questions and discuss personal beliefs and values.
• Thematic Units at GCSE, which include controversial and challenging topics such as euthanasia, war and capital punishment, are taught in Year 10 and 11 to allow a deeper level of investigation.
• RS lessons are inclusive and enable all students to participate and achieve success. 

Key strengths within Religious Studies

• Knowledge and enthusiasm of the four subject specialists within the department. 
• Consistency of delivery, marking, feedback and assessment. 
• Strong pastoral responsibility within the department. Teachers care about students and understand their academic and pastoral duty.
• RS is a compulsory full GCSE and students have a high level of enthusiasm for the content and delivery of the course (particularly at years 10 and 11).  Behaviour is also very good in lessons due to positive staff relationships and the engaging nature of the course. 
• This positivity and enthusiasm for the subject is reflected in the number of students who opt to study RS at A Level. 
• Continuous review and evaluation of the RS curriculum linked to current research on religion and worldviews. 

Curriculum overviews