RS
Our Curriculum
In Years 7-9 students study each of the 6 major world faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism) alongside non-religious worldviews and a study of ethics. Throughout KS3 we build upon prior learning from KS2, encouraging students to develop increasingly complex skills while revisiting familiar concepts at a deeper level. As students progress, they are introduced to more unfamiliar content, equipping them with the tools to analyse and understand it critically.
Our curriculum fosters religious literacy, encouraging students to use key religious terminology confidently, replacing everyday language with more precise and respectful language in discussions. We prioritize the development of students’ ability to engage in thoughtful, respectful dialogue about diverse beliefs and perspectives, emphasising the importance of global citizenship and understanding how their studies can inspire and inform their role in a rapidly changing world.
At KS4 we aim to hone skills such as independent thinking, exam question interpretation, elucidation and deployment of sacred writings, critical analysis, evaluation, and drawing comparisons so that students leave us with the ability to engage with more complex academic challenges in the future.
How we assess students in Key Stage 3
Students are assessed on a regular basis (at least once per half term) using GCSE-style exam questions. Student performance and progress in these assessment questions is tracked across KS3 using skills progress grids that can be found on the back of student work booklets. As we see students displaying an ability in various skills, these are highlighted on the grid which then informs our judgement on a students’ ability in our subject; foundation, developing, secure or excelling.
Each assessment question at Key Stage 3 is marked, returned to students to make improvements and corrections, and checked again by the class teacher to ensure that the feedback provided has had an impact on student progress.
See the RS Assessment Criteria below.
How we support your child to succeed and where they can access help:
In Key Stage 3:
If students require further subject knowledge for homework tasks or upcoming assessments, the following website is very useful:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zj42fdm
Students can also ask their class teacher for more support or guidance at any time; we are always happy to do what we can to help and provide support for our students.
The best way for you to support a student at home is to encourage open and respectful dialogue around matters of religion and difference; we respect and value religious and non-religious worldviews and opinions equally and aim to educate our students to do the same. Find a relevant topic on the website above, read through it with your child and then discuss it; what are the benefits of the topic you have read about for the believer? Are there any limitations? Can you and your child see any similarities between what you’ve read about and how you choose to live your lives? Engaging with subject content in this way will have a positive impact on a students’ ability in Religious Studies and the progress that they are able to make.
In Key Stage 4:
Students are provided with all the resources they need for the GCSE by their class teacher. However, here are a few resources which might help further support students with their homework and revision:
Past exam papers and mark schemes from our exam board can be found here:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-8062/assessment-resources
Students can have a read of the mark scheme for a specific question to familiarise themselves with what an examiner would be looking for. They can then attempt a much more informed answer to the question, practising and developing their exam skills. Your child’s class teacher will be happy to mark and provide feedback on any extra exam questions that are completed at home.
The exam board-verified revision guide can be purchased here:
Again, students should speak with their class teacher in the first instance that they have any questions or a need for more support.
If you have any further questions, please contact either your child’s teacher or Head of Religious Studies and World Views, Mrs F Leblanc: f.allen@lrs.sch.je.