At Ellesmere Park High School, our Religious Education curriculum is designed to develop thoughtful, reflective and informed young people who can explore and critically examine the beliefs, practices and ethical ideas that shape individuals, societies and global communities. From Year 7 to Year 11, students engage with theology, philosophy and ethics through a rigorous and enquiry led curriculum that cultivates curiosity, compassion and challenge.

At Key Stage 3, students investigate core theological and philosophical ideas across the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) and Dharmic traditions (Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism). Through carefully crafted enquiry questions, they explore topics such as the nature of God, covenant and identity, suffering, moral choices, life after death and religious practice. Students also engage with a range of philosophical and ethical themes including free will, evil and suffering, justice, the value of life and human rights. These enquiries are rooted in substantive knowledge, supported by a focus on disciplinary thinking, helping students to interpret texts, analyse beliefs, compare perspectives and evaluate arguments.

The curriculum is underpinned by high expectations for literacy and vocabulary acquisition, with students explicitly taught both Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary to articulate complex ideas accurately and fluently. These skills are applied through extended writing tasks that build the ability to reason, explain and critically evaluate with precision and clarity. Oracy and philosophical dialogue are central to RE classrooms. Students regularly take part in structured debate and discussion, where they are encouraged to speak with confidence, listen actively and engage with different viewpoints respectfully.

At Key Stage 4, students build on their foundations by studying the AQA GCSE Religious Studies course, which advances the skills developed in Key Stage 3. They explore Christianity and Islam in depth, alongside philosophical and ethical themes such as relationships, crime and punishment, religion and life and the religion peace and conflict. Students are challenged to apply prior knowledge, develop sustained written arguments and approach contemporary issues with critical insight and empathy. By the end of Year 11, students leave RE with a rich understanding of religious and non-religious worldviews, the ability to reason and reflect, and the skills to engage meaningfully with the moral, spiritual and philosophical challenges of modern life.

For more information about our RE curriculum, please contact Head of Humanities,  at nick.theodosio@consilium-at.com