Religious Education (RE) is an integral and essential part of our curriculum, it enables us to understand other people and gives pupils the opportunity to explore different points of view and how this makes a difference to the lives of individuals and communities. We live in multi-faith and multicultural society, and by studying RE students become aware of the importance of the diversity of religious and non-religious world views that exist in our global society, including the UK.

RE provides the opportunity for students to ask Big Questions. These are questions which do not have an easy answer but encourage us to think deeply and critically about the possible answers. RE lessons are an opportunity for pupils to listen to each other and share their ideas and opinions on thought provoking topics and expand their curiosity.

Key Staff

• Mr  Burgess - Head of Religious Education, Head of Geography & DofE Lead
• Mr Forsyth - Teacher of Geography & Religious Education
• Miss Mace - Head of Humanities
• Mr Ryder - Teacher of Religious Education
• Miss Smith - Head of PSHEE and Teacher of Religious Education
• Ms Stacey-Field - Teacher of Religious Education

Key Stage 3 - Years 7 and 8

Religious Education KS3 Milestone Assessments

At KS3 we follow the West Berkshire Agreed Syllabus and pupils have one lesson per week. 

Year 7
Students explore and question different types of truth and consider different ways of thinking and believing. They gain a grounding in the 6 Major World Religious Traditions and other world views including non-religious ones. Students have the opportunity to investigate aspects of religion belief that interests them during the World Religion Project. Year 7 students also explore the significance of religious festivals in the lives of individuals and communities and the role of Religion in the local context of Reading.

Year 8
Students take an in-depth look at the Religion of Buddhism and explore fascinating beliefs and practices including Karma and Reincarnation. Students move onto exploring ethical and moral issues such as peace and conflict, the environment and prejudice and discrimination. Students gain an understanding of how different worldviews approach these themes and topics and the impact and relevance of them in society today.

Key Stage 4 plus Year 9 Compulsory  GCSE

In Years 9, 10 and 11 ALL students must take one lesson of RE per week by law and in line with OFSTED’s recommendation.

The course is entitled EDUQAS Religious Studies (Route A) and is interesting and varied.  Students will gain a strong grounding of the beliefs and practices of two major and diverse religions, Christianity and Islam. The GCSE gets students to explore a range of pertinent philosophical and moral issues impacting our world today. It enables students to develop critical thinking skills and encourages them to articulate their own viewpoints clearly and concisely while considering the views of others and the impact of belief and practices on individuals, communities, and society.

It covers the following topics:

Study of Christianity

• Christian Beliefs
• Christian Practices

 Study of Islam

• Islamic Beliefs
• Islamic Practices

 Philosophy and Ethics in the modern world

• Issues of Relationships
• Issues of Life and Death
• Issues of Good and Evil
• Issues of Human Rights

All sections will be studied from the viewpoint of Christianity, Islam and Humanism. 

Students will sit all Exams at the end of Year 11.

 Key Stage 5

From September 2027, we hope to offer A‑Level Philosophy, delivered through the AQA exam board. This course will challenge students to think deeply about knowledge, ethics, the mind, and the existence of God. It aims to develop critical thinking, reasoning, and debate skills, providing an excellent foundation for university study and a wide range of future careers.

 Last Updated January 2026