‘Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all’ – Aristotle

The Religious Studies curriculum at The Quest Academy aims to engage, inspire and encourage dialogue between pupils about the wider world they live in and how the views held by individuals and groups may shape their outlook. We aim to develop students’ religious literacy so that they can reflect, communicate and act in an informed, intelligent and sensitive manner towards religion and other worldviews. In this way, students will develop an interest in those around them and become more culturally aware and better prepared for the world they will live and work in.

Our curriculum also incorporates philosophical and social themes, applying these to modern society and debating the impact that these views and beliefs have on the actions of individuals and groups.

RS allows students to:-

• make sense of the world around them
• reflect on their own ideas, express them in a safe place and gain an understanding of others
• consider the beliefs and views of others, developing an acceptance of differences
• develop life skills including critical thinking, listening to the views of others, engaging and working with people from different backgrounds and reflecting on issues affecting society

During Key Stage 3, students study the major world religions and their impacts on society, exploring how these religions developed, their major beliefs and practices, and how these ideas influence ethical decision making. Students also develop their critical thinking skills through the exploration of ‘big questions’ such as: How do we know something is real? Is there a God? What is the meaning of life?

In Key Stage 4, students build on these skills by studying for a GCSE in Religious Studies. They complete a detailed study of Christianity and Islam, looking at key beliefs and practices and considering how these influence the lives of believers today. They also study four themes covering wider philosophical, moral and ethical issues in society:

• Relationships – religious and secular views about relationships, including marriage, divorce, sex and same sex relationships
• Life and Death – religious and non-religious views about life and its importance, including issues such as abortion and euthanasia
• Good and Evil – religious views regarding morality, including crime, punishment and forgiveness
• Human Rights – religious and secular views about the rights of individuals, including freedom of speech, censorship and discrimination