Religious Education

Our RE Curriculum has been designed to explore religious and non -religious traditions that have shaped Great Britain and enable pupils to take their place within a diverse multi-religious, cultural, and multi-secular society. We wish to give young people the opportunity to see, discuss and explore religion and non-religion in the world and allow students the opportunity to make sense of their own place in this world. Our curriculum is built around big questions, academic rigour, and opportunities to see the world through different lenses.

  • Using the theology lens pupils are enabled to get to the heart of what people believe through an exploration and analysis of religious text, story and imagery to discern and define the basis of belief.
  • Using the social science lens pupils are enabled to see how the beliefs of religious worldviews are played out in the life of a believer, acknowledging that this will be different between and within religious and non-religious worldviews.
  • Using the philosophy lens pupils are enabled to extrapolate how religious and non-religious believers would act in given situations which are part of living in a diverse society.

Our intention is that students can hold balanced, well-informed conversations as well as asking deep and searching questions. This curriculum supports the personal development curriculum positively.   The RE curriculum enables pupils to take their place in a complex society by deepening their knowledge and understanding of religious beliefs and how these are lived in our multi-faith society, covering the religious and non-religious worldviews.

 

Year 7 Overarching Question:

 

What does it mean to be part of a faith?

 

 In year 7 we will introduce carefully selected faiths which will be explored from different angles from year 7 to 11 and hopefully beyond. Students will learn key concepts and underpinning ideas and explore how faith can influence everyday life. Students will explore the idea that not all people that practice a faith have the same views and have opportunities to express their own views.
Topic 1: What is it like to worship as a Christian? In this topic we will explore how Christian’s worship and whether all Christians worship in the same way. We will ask questions such as if you do not worship are you still a Christian? We will explore why people gain and lose faith in their personal journeys.
Topic 2: Does Buddhism help people to overcome suffering and live a better life?

 

 In this topic we will look at an eastern religion and investigate the beliefs and texts, exploring both meaning and practices. We then explore how Buddhists may try to lead a better life, asking questions around this. We then think about what it would be like to be a practising Buddhist going to school in Britain.

 

Year 8 Overarching Question:

 

How does being part of a faith help us to answer life questions?

 

 In this year’s curriculum students will be able to apply their knowledge of the core religions they have studied to explore to more moral, ethical, and existential questions. This will give a forum for students to be able to answer and explore bigger questions and link it to more contemporary issues. This unit will link back to their year 7 learning but also link forward to their year 9 learning.
Topic 1: How did we get here and where are we going? In this topic students will explore key beliefs about God including alternative viewpoints. Students will debate and explore how the world began and look at scientific viewpoints. Students will also look at ideas of the afterlife and be able to offer their own viewpoints.
Topic 2:  Does the world need war?

 

 

 

 In this unit students will see what different religions say about conflict in the world exploring how conflict is presented in holy texts. Students will explore whether war is ever just using examples. Alternatives to war such as Pacifism will be investigated, and students will be able to evaluate their learning to offer their own viewpoint of the justification of conflict in the world.

 

Year 9 Overarching Question:

 

How can we build a better society?

 

 Students will explore social change through carefully guided exploration of moral issues, building on the morals and ethical ideas they explored in year 8.  Again, they will look at the role of faiths and beliefs / practices but also be challenged to think about personal viewpoints and reflect upon the society that they live in. Through revisiting key faiths, it will allow students to explore and evaluate some very key issues that cause conflict in society and allow students to be able to explain viewpoints in an informed and reflective manner.
Topic 1: Does everyone in society have the same rights?

 

 

 

 In this unit we will start to consider how we know we are making the right choices in life. We will then debate topical issues such as should animals have rights. How should people be punished if wrong is done? Is it ever right to end a life? Underpinning this unit will be contemporary case studies and varied viewpoints to challenge and generate questioning and critical thinking.
Topic 2:  Can we all get on?

 

 

 

 In this topic we are going to spotlight and explore tolerance. We will look at issues such as how people of different faiths get on, equality between men and women and crucially, exploring why there are such extremes of views in society. This topic will generate a range of insights into the society that we live in and offer lots of opportunities to debate and question.

Key Stage 3 & 4 Learning Journey

For more information about Religious Education in the Curriculum please speak to the Head of Department.

The Roundhill Academy is a non-denominational school. Religious Education (RE) is a valued part of the basic curriculum and is provided for all pupils in accordance with statutory requirements. RE supports pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and enables them to explore a range of religious and non-religious worldviews.
At Key Stages 3 and 4, RE is delivered in line with the Leicestershire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education, which reflects the diversity of beliefs in modern Britain and promotes respect and understanding of different perspectives.
We recognise and respect the legal rights of parents and carers in relation to RE.
Your Legal Right to Withdraw
Parents and carers have the legal right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education under Section 71 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.
  • This right applies to all state-funded schools, including non-denominational academies such as The Roundhill Academy
  • Withdrawal may be full or partial
  • You are not required to give a reason for your decision
Understanding RE at The Roundhill Academy
As a non-denominational school, RE at The Roundhill Academy is taught in a balanced, objective and pluralistic way, in accordance with the Leicestershire Agreed Syllabus.
The curriculum:
  • Does not promote any single religion or belief
  • Reflects that religious traditions in Great Britain are mainly Christian
  • Takes account of other principal religions and non-religious worldviews
  • Encourages critical thinking, respectful dialogue, and understanding of diversity
At Key Stage 4, Religious Education is also offered as an optional GCSE subject for students who wish to study the subject in greater depth.
In addition, elements of RE are explored through the school’s tutor programme, where pupils may learn about religious festivals and cultural events throughout the year. These sessions are designed to promote awareness and inclusivity and do not replace the statutory RE curriculum.  Before deciding about withdrawal, we encourage parents and carers to contact the school to discuss the RE curriculum and raise any questions or concerns.
Scope of the Right to Withdraw
The right to withdraw applies specifically to:
  • Religious Education (RE)
  • Collective worship
It does not apply to other areas of the curriculum. Pupils may still encounter discussions of religion, beliefs, and values in subjects such as history, English, or PSHE, as well as through tutor programme activities such as learning about festivals.
Withdrawal can be from:
  • The whole RE curriculum, or
  • Specific units or topics within RE
Arrangements for Withdrawn Pupils
 
If a pupil is withdrawn from RE:
  • They will be provided with appropriate supervision
  • The school is not required to provide alternative teaching or a parallel curriculum
  • Time will not normally be used to deliver other curriculum subjects
Requesting Withdrawal
 
If you wish to withdraw your child from all or part of RE, please write to the Headteacher of The Roundhill Academy, clearly stating:
  • Whether the withdrawal is full or partial
  • Any specific lessons or topics (if applicable)
The school may offer an opportunity to discuss your request to ensure you are fully informed, but this is not a condition of withdrawal being granted.
Working in Partnership
The Roundhill Academy is committed to working in partnership with parents and carers, respecting individual beliefs and values while ensuring that all pupils benefit from a broad and balanced education.
If you would like further information about RE at the school or wish to discuss this policy, please contact the school office.