Department Overview

Religious Studies is a core subject at Biddenham as we believe it is important in a diverse multi-religious and multi-secular society to understand and respect one another especially when, or if, we disagree with their beliefs. Every student will have one lesson per week in key stage 3 and two lessons per week in key stage 4. Every student will take GCSE Religious Studies in Year 11.

As a department we are ambitious and our curriculum is designed to give all learners the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in life. We do not promote a particular religious or non-religious belief, but encourage our young people to ask questions. During their time at Biddenham, students will cover a range of topics aiming to understand their own and others’ stances on a range of topical and controversial issues whilst respecting those with beliefs which are different.

Our aims are to:

• Help students to explore the answers to the big questions of our existence.
• Help students to develop a knowledge and understanding of how religious and non-religious traditions have shaped Great Britain and the world.
• Provide an intellectually challenging and personally enriching experience.
• Encourage our young people to share and discuss their ideas openly and safely in a spirit of tolerance and respect for difference.
• Provide space to explore the controversial, moral and ethical issues in our society.
• Allow students to develop their own personal views on matters of belief and non-belief.
• Develop their skills of oracy, critical thinking and empathy.
  
  

Assessments

Exam Board Information

AQA GCSE Religious Studies

OCR AS and A Level Religious Studies