Explore Beliefs. Challenge Ideas. Understand the World.
Religious Education at Rainhill High School encourages pupils to explore different beliefs, cultures and worldviews while developing the confidence to ask challenging questions about life, morality and society. Through the study of religion, philosophy and ethics, pupils learn to think critically, communicate respectfully and appreciate the diversity of the modern world.
Throughout Key Stage 3, pupils study the world’s major religions, exploring their beliefs, practices, traditions and influence on individuals and communities. As they progress, they develop the ability to compare different perspectives, debate contemporary ethical issues and consider philosophical questions that have shaped human thinking for centuries.
At Key Stage 4, pupils follow the GCSE Religious Studies course, focusing on Christianity and Islam alongside the study of philosophy and ethics. They develop analytical, evaluative and critical thinking skills that prepare them for further study while fostering respect, empathy and informed discussion of the issues that shape modern society.
Why Study Religious Education?
Religious Education helps pupils understand the beliefs and values that shape individuals, communities and societies around the world. Alongside developing knowledge of world religions, pupils build valuable skills in critical thinking, analysis, communication and debate. These transferable skills are highly valued in higher education and careers including law, teaching, social work, healthcare, journalism, public service and international relations.
Assessment (GCSE Religious Studies)
Paper 1 – The Study of Religions (50%)
Students study the beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity and Islam.
Paper 2 – Philosophy and Ethics (50%)
Students explore contemporary issues including relationships, life and death, good and evil, and human rights, evaluating religious and non-religious viewpoints through extended written responses.
Year 7
Term 1 – Comparative Religion
Pupils begin their Religious Education journey by exploring what religion is, why belief systems exist and how religions have developed over time. They compare the beliefs, symbols, rituals and moral teachings of the world’s major faiths while developing the ability to recognise similarities, differences and the importance of mutual respect.
Term 2 – Judaism
Pupils study Judaism as the world’s oldest monotheistic faith. They learn about key figures including Abraham and Moses, explore Jewish beliefs about God, worship and community, and investigate important festivals such as Passover and Sukkot. They also consider how Jewish people live out their faith in the modern world.
Term 3 – Islam
Students explore Islam as a global faith by studying the life of the Prophet Muhammad, the Five Pillars of Islam and the importance of prayer, charity and pilgrimage. They also investigate Islamic festivals, including Eid, and consider how Islamic beliefs influence everyday life.
Year 8
Term 1 – Hinduism
Pupils investigate Hindu beliefs including karma, dharma and reincarnation. They study worship, sacred texts, festivals such as Diwali and Holi, and explore how Hindu teachings influence moral decision-making and everyday life.
Term 2 – Buddhism
Students explore the life of the Buddha and the path to enlightenment through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. They investigate Buddhist meditation, compassion, symbols and festivals, including Vesak, while considering how Buddhist beliefs shape modern life.
Term 3 – Sikhism
Pupils study Sikh beliefs centred on equality, service and devotion to one God. They learn about Guru Nanak, the Ten Gurus, the Khalsa and the Five Ks, alongside worship in the Gurdwara and the celebration of Vaisakhi.
Year 9
Term 1 – Ethics
Students explore contemporary moral issues including animal rights, environmental responsibility, medical ethics, equality and poverty. They consider both religious and non-religious perspectives while developing the confidence to express and justify their own views through discussion and debate.
Term 2 – Philosophy
Pupils investigate philosophical questions such as whether God exists, whether miracles can happen and whether there is life after death. They study key philosophical arguments and develop logical reasoning and evaluative writing skills.
Term 3 – Christianity
Students study Christianity in greater depth, exploring the life and teachings of Jesus, the Trinity, Christian worship and major festivals including Easter and Christmas. They also consider Christianity’s influence on British society, culture and moral values.
Year 10
Terms 1 & 2 – Christianity
Students begin GCSE Religious Studies by exploring Christian beliefs and practices in depth. Topics include the nature of God, the Trinity, creation, the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the afterlife, worship, prayer, baptism, the Eucharist, pilgrimage, festivals and the role of Christianity in the UK and worldwide.
Terms 2 & 3 – Islam
Students study Islamic beliefs and practices, including Tawhid, prophethood, angels, the afterlife, Sunni and Shi’a beliefs, the Five Pillars, the Ten Obligatory Acts, jihad and major Islamic festivals. They explore how these beliefs shape Muslim identity and daily life both in Britain and around the world.
Year 11
Term 1 – Relationships & Life and Death
Students investigate religious and non-religious views on relationships, marriage, family life, the value of human life and ethical issues surrounding life and death. They develop balanced arguments supported by Christian, Islamic and secular viewpoints.
Term 2 – Good and Evil & Human Rights
Students explore justice, forgiveness, suffering, equality, freedom and human rights from religious and philosophical perspectives. They continue developing GCSE examination skills by evaluating contrasting viewpoints and constructing well-reasoned arguments.
Term 3 – Revision and Examination Preparation
Students consolidate learning from across the GCSE course through structured revision, exam practice and the refinement of extended written responses. They revisit key beliefs, practices and ethical themes while developing confidence in applying religious and non-religious perspectives to contemporary issues.
Mrs J Thorogood – Principal
Rainhill High School, Warrington Road, Rainhill, Merseyside, L356NY
A paper copy of the information on our website is available on request.
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