Curriculum Religious Education (RE)
Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of RE. Please contact the school to discuss this.
Curriculum Intent:
An RE curriculum should inspire exploration, discussion and provide pupils with the opportunity to develop and deepen their understanding of the complex world around them.
Religious Education at Southall develops through key stage 3 to 4 and finally into Year 11. It is both carefully and flexibly designed to meet the needs of all pupils from our most complex to our most gifted students in all key stages and designed to appeal to students with varying learning styles.
In Key stage 3 and 4 the curriculum is based on the main world religions, whilst providing opportunities for teachers to incorporate any upcoming celebrations or festivals, for example Chinese New Year. This is significant to provide our pupils with a holistic experience. Matching our school ethos of how we endeavour to support our pupils in understanding the world around them each day, across the curriculum and in all areas of school life. Key stage 3 lessons are steppingstones to understanding different religions and cultures, including Holy books, religious buildings, symbols, and beliefs. Lesson delivery varies and can include craft, research, videos, and visits. A recent visit to the local food bank inspired and humbled both staff and students.
In Year 11 the curriculum develops with our students; designed to incorporate ‘of the moment’ news and topics which naturally inspire discussion and debate. RE in Year 11 tackles sensitive issues such as abortion and racism, providing the students with interesting topics to explore and deepen their knowledge of religious ideologies. The curriculum is carefully planned to inform and enhance student understanding and shape them into adults who can formulate, and share educated opinions on diverse topics.
During each lesson, across school student learning is developed and reviewed using a KWL method; what we know, want to know, and have learnt. This starter activity is repeated each lesson and supports our student’s long-term memory, alongside informing planning for the lessons to follow. A review of each lesson takes place at the end and is formatively assessed using a RAG rated system, enabling the students to take a lead in exploring their own learning in a simple, yet meaningful way. These documents inform future planning and next steps.
KS3 RE Curriculum Implementation and Overview:
In KS3, pupils access weekly lessons in RE. The curriculum takes the form of a 2-year rolling programme following the themes below:
Year 1
| Term | Theme |
| Autumn term | What is Religion? |
| Spring term | Christianity |
| Summer term | Sikhism |
Year 2
| Term | Theme |
| Autumn term | Inspirational Religion |
| Spring term | Islam |
| Summer term | Creation, Festivals and Symbols |
KS4 RE Curriculum Implementation and Overview:
In KS4, those that have chosen to study RE as an option, will access weekly lessons in RE. The curriculum takes the form of a 3-year rolling programme following the themes below:
Year 1
| Term | Theme |
| Autumn term | Christianity: Beliefs and Teachings |
| Spring term | Christianity: Beliefs and Teachings |
| Summer term | Thematic Study: Religion, Philosophy and Ethics in the modern world |
Year 2
| Term | Theme |
| Autumn term | Thematic Study: Religion, Philosophy and Ethics in the modern world |
| Spring term | Dialogues within and between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes |
| Summer term | Dialogues within and between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes |
Year 3 (Year 11)
| Term | Theme |
| Autumn term | Islam: Beliefs and Teachings |
| Spring term | Islam: Beliefs and Teachings |
| Summer term | Revision and Exams |