Religious Studies
Our Religious Studies department equips our students with the knowledge and skills to form persuasive and well-informed arguments in response to a range of controversial issues arising from discussions in Philosophy of Religion, Ethics and Developments in Religious Thought.
Curriculum Intent
At Poole High School, our Religious Studies curriculum encourages students to explore beliefs, values and worldviews that have shaped individuals, communities and societies throughout history and continue to influence the modern world. Through the study of religion, philosophy and ethics, students develop the knowledge and understanding needed to engage thoughtfully with some of the most important questions facing humanity.
Students are encouraged to think critically, challenge assumptions and consider a range of perspectives on complex moral, philosophical and theological issues. Through discussion, debate and analysis, they learn to formulate their own reasoned viewpoints whilst respecting the beliefs and opinions of others.
Our curriculum develops curiosity, empathy and open-mindedness, enabling students to gain a deeper appreciation of religious and cultural diversity within Britain and across the world. Students explore how beliefs influence behaviour and consider the impact of religion on individuals, communities and contemporary society.
Religious Studies provides opportunities for students to develop a wide range of transferable skills, including critical thinking, evaluation, analysis, interpretation and persuasive written communication. Students learn to construct coherent arguments, weigh evidence and justify their conclusions using reasoned judgement.
By encouraging students to explore challenging ethical and philosophical questions, our curriculum prepares them to become informed, reflective and responsible citizens. Ultimately, we aim to inspire students to engage confidently with the diverse and complex world around them.
Key Stage 3
Year 7: Global Perspectives on Faith
In Year 7, students develop a global perspective on religion by exploring how different cultures express their beliefs through worship, dress, and food. They examine Western and Eastern understandings of salvation and the afterlife, and how belief informs practice. The emphasis is on similarities between faiths, helping students appreciate common values and preparing them for respectful engagement in a diverse society.
Year 8: Philosophy and Ethics
Year 8 begins with philosophical inquiry, including Plato’s ideas on existence and reality. Students explore classical arguments for the existence of a higher power—cosmological, theological, and ontological and contrast these with atheism and Humanism. They also begin studying ethical theories, applying them to real-world issues such as abortion and euthanasia. Later in the year, students examine crime and punishment, the justice system, and beliefs around corporal and capital punishment.
Key Stage 4
Students begin their GCSE studies in Year 9 as part of Poole High’s wider strategy to prepare them for future exams. This early start provides valuable experience and builds confidence for Year 11.
Component 1: The Study of Religions
Students study Christianity and Islam, focusing on core beliefs, sources of authority, worship practices, festivals, and the impact of religion on individuals and communities.
Component 2: Thematic Studies
Students explore four ethical and philosophical themes from both religious and non-religious perspectives:
Relationships and Families – marriage, divorce, gender roles, sexuality, parenting
Religion, Peace and Conflict – war, pacifism, forgiveness, terrorism, peace-making
Religion, Crime and Punishment – causes of crime, aims of punishment, justice, capital punishment
Religion, Human Rights and Social Justice – equality, freedom of religion, racial prejudice, wealth and poverty
Key Stage 5
