West Craven High School
Religious Education
Religious Education follows the Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education – “Search for Meaning”. The aim is to support students’ personal search for meaning as they explore what it means to be human. Students will learn about the beliefs, values and traditions of the major world faiths. This will enable students to understand how RE has shaped the world in which we live and continue to have an impact on people throughout the modern world.
Year 7 RE
In Year 7, students are introduced to the three Abrahamic faiths through a study of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. They begin by exploring the origins of Judaism through key figures such as Abraham and Moses, before examining Jewish beliefs and practices in the modern world.
Students then investigate the life and teachings of Jesus, exploring how Christianity developed and the significance of biblical stories and teachings. They consider how Christian beliefs continue to influence individuals and communities today.
The year concludes with a study of Islam, focusing on the life of Prophet Muhammad, the Qur'an and the Five Pillars. Students develop an understanding of how religious beliefs shape identity, values and daily life, while building key skills in interpreting religious teachings and comparing different faith traditions.
Year 8 RE
In Year 8, students broaden their understanding of world religions and non-religious worldviews through the study of Buddhism, Sikhism, Hinduism and Humanism. They begin by exploring the life of Siddhartha Gautama and the origins of Buddhism, before examining how Buddhist beliefs and practices are followed today.
Students then study Sikhism, focusing on the teachings of Guru Nanak, the development of the Sikh faith and the importance of the Khalsa, the Five Ks and Sikh worship. This allows students to explore themes of identity, community and belonging.
The year concludes with Hinduism and Humanism, where students investigate key Hindu beliefs such as karma and reincarnation, alongside Humanist approaches to morality and meaning. Throughout the year, students compare different perspectives and develop their ability to evaluate religious and non-religious beliefs.
Year 9 RE
In Year 9, students move beyond studying religion itself and begin to explore ethical and philosophical questions. They investigate issues such as environmental responsibility, animal rights, social justice and whether laws should always be obeyed, considering how religious and non-religious beliefs influence moral decision-making.
Students then develop their understanding of philosophy by examining arguments for the existence of God, beliefs about the afterlife, morality and miracles. They learn to analyse evidence, debate different viewpoints and construct reasoned arguments.
The year concludes with an exploration of evil and suffering and the role of religion in contemporary Britain. Students evaluate how individuals and communities respond to challenging questions about belief, purpose and human experience.
Learning Journeys
For further information about our Religious Education curriculum, please contact Mr W Davidson, Head of Humanities and MFL, by emailing wdavidson@westcraven.co.uk or phoning the main office to arrange a call back.