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Religious Studies

	Autumn 1	Autumn 2	Spring 1	Spring 2	Summer 1	Summer 2
Y7	Welcome to RS: what do you believe? Baseline assessment Buddhism: why do we suffer?	Buddhism: How can I be happy?	Hinduism: What do Hindu’s believe about Brahman and Atman?	Hinduism: What happens when we die?	Sikhism: Why should we help other people?	Sikhism: What do Sikh’s believe about equality?
Y8	Judaism: What is it like to be Jewish in Britain today?	Judaism: Is a day of rest still important today?	Islam: Who was Muhammad?	Islam: How should Muslims behave?	Humanism: How do we decide the truth?	Humanism: What should we value in life?
Y9	Miracles, mystery and murder. Foundations of Christian belief : Was Jesus more than just an ordinary man?	Miracles, mystery and murder. Foundations of Christian belief	GCSE: Islamic beliefs and teachings	GCSE: Islamic beliefs and teachings	GCSE: Christian beliefs and teachings	GCSE: Christian beliefs and teachings
Y10	GCSE: Islamic practices	GCSE: Islamic practices	GCSE: Christian practices	GCSE: Christian practices	GCSE: Thematic studies Crime and punishment	GCSE: Thematic studies Crime and punishment
Y11	GCSE: Thematic studies religion and life	GCSE: Thematic studies religion and life	GCSE: Thematic studies crime war and peace	GCSE: Thematic studies war and peace/ Marriage and the family	GCSE: Thematic studies marriage and the family
Y12	Philosophy and Ethics: Arguments for the existence of God, Normative ethical theories	Philosophy and Ethics: Evil and suffering and religious experience, application of normative ethical theories	Christianity: Sources of wisdom and authority, God,	Christianity: Self, death and afterlife, Good moral conduct	Christianity: expressions of religious identity	Ethics: Introduction to meta ethics, conscience
Y13	Ethics: Free will and moral responsibility , Bentham and Kant	Philosophy: Religious language, miracles	Philosophy: self, death and afterlife	Christianity: Gender sexuality, science, secularisation, migration	Christianity and dialogues with philosophy and ethics

GCSE exam board & specification:

AQA Religious Studies A Christianity and Islam
Textbook(s):

AQA religious studies A: Christianity Oxford university press

AQA religious studies A: Islam Oxford university press

A level exam board & specification:

AQA Religious studies Christianity
Textbook(s):

AQA A level religious studies 1

AQA A level religious studies 2

How to help your child:

Show Interest in What They’re Learning

Ask them about the topics they’re covering in RS: “What religion are you learning about this term?”

Encourage discussion about beliefs, values, and moral issues—even if they're different from your own.

Create an Open Environment at Home

Be respectful of different religions and worldviews. RS encourages understanding, not preaching.

Discuss current events from a values-based or ethical perspective—this brings RS to life.

Visit Places of Worship Together

If possible, visit a gurdwara, mosque, church, or temple to help them see real-life connections.

Many places offer open days or educational tours.

Use Media and TV Wisely

Watch documentaries or short videos on religions and ethical issues.

BBC Bitesize, TrueTube, and other RS-friendly platforms can be engaging and age-appropriate.

Help with Vocabulary and Concepts

RS has key terms that may be unfamiliar. Help your child build a glossary.

Make flashcards or short quizzes for revision.

Support with Homework & Revision

Encourage short, regular revision sessions.

Ask them to explain what they learned in their own words—this boosts understanding.

What career opportunities can success in Religious Studies open up?

Religious Studies (RS) is more than just learning about faiths – it helps students develop critical thinking, empathy, communication, and a strong understanding of ethics and culture. These are valuable skills in many careers.

What skills does RS develop?

Understanding different beliefs and worldviews
Respect for diversity and global perspectives
Debating and evaluating moral and ethical issues
Clear writing and speaking
Problem-solving and empathy

What careers can RS lead to?

Here are just some of the possible careers that link to RS:

Education

RS/Philosophy Teacher
University Lecturer
Youth Worker or Education Officer

Law & Government

Solicitor or Barrister (especially in human rights or ethics)
Civil Servant
Politician or Policy Advisor

Charity & Community Work

Charity Fundraiser or Campaign Manager
International Aid Worker
Chaplain (in hospitals, prisons, schools, or the military)

Media & Communication

Journalist or Broadcaster (especially in ethics, faith, or cultural reporting)
Writer or Editor
Public Relations or Communications Officer

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Counsellor or Therapist
Social Worker
Pastoral Support Worker

Religion & Interfaith Work

Faith Leader (e.g. Priest, Imam, Rabbi, Granthi)
Interfaith Coordinator
Religious Education Consultant