Religious Studies

Religious Studies at The Blue Coat School engages students with a wide range of religious and non-religious worldviews, both those represented within our school community and those found in the wider city of Liverpool and across Britain today. The curriculum encourages students to reflect on their own beliefs and values while developing a deeper understanding of the diversity and complexity of the world around them.

Through the study of substantive knowledge, different ways of knowing, and personal reflection, students develop critical thinking, empathy, and the ability to evaluate complex moral and ethical questions. The curriculum is enhanced by opportunities beyond the classroom, including trips, societies, competitions, and student leadership, all of which enrich students’ learning and provide practical contexts for their studies.

Religious Education at The Blue Coat School is taught inclusively and respectfully, promoting understanding of different beliefs, values, and cultures. It plays a vital role in supporting pupils’ personal, social, and moral development, helping them become thoughtful and responsible global citizens.

Parents and carers retain the legal right to withdraw their child, either wholly or partly, from Religious Education lessons, as set out in education legislation. Those who wish to exercise this right are asked to contact the school in writing to discuss their request. Alternative arrangements will be provided in line with statutory requirements. For further information about our RE curriculum or the withdrawal process, please contact the school office.

Curriculum Journey

In Year 7, students begin by exploring the fundamental question: What difference does it make to believe? Through this enquiry, students consider the role of faith, identity and worldview in shaping individuals and communities. They then investigate philosophical arguments concerning the existence of God, exploring both philosophical and religious responses to questions about belief and evidence. Students examine what it means to be a teenage Muslim in Britain today, considering the opportunities and challenges faced by religious communities in a modern, multicultural society. The year also encourages students to think deeply about ethical issues, including whether religious buildings should be sold to help those in need, before concluding with a project on religious festivals that develops understanding of traditions, celebration and community.

In Year 8, students extend their understanding of different worldviews through the study of Buddhism and Humanism. They explore how beliefs influence behaviour, values and everyday decision-making, while considering similarities and differences between religious and non-religious perspectives. Students engage with questions about morality, examining whether religion helps people to be good, and investigate the problem of suffering, exploring a range of religious and philosophical responses to human pain and hardship. The year concludes with enquiries into death, the afterlife and the role faith communities play within Liverpool, helping students connect global religious traditions with their local context.

Year 9 broadens students’ understanding of world religions and contemporary issues. Students study Judaism and Hinduism, exploring the beliefs, practices and traditions that shape the lives of followers. They also examine one of the most challenging questions in Religious Studies: whether religion is a force for peace or a cause of conflict in the modern world. Through discussion, debate and analysis of contemporary examples, students learn to evaluate complex issues from multiple perspectives and appreciate the influence of religion on global affairs.

At GCSE, students undertake a more detailed and rigorous study of Christianity, Hinduism and Christian biblical texts. In Year 10, students explore Christian practices and beliefs before studying the Gospel of Mark, focusing on key questions surrounding the identity of Jesus and the nature of discipleship. They also investigate Hindu practices, developing a deeper understanding of worship, pilgrimage and religious life. Throughout these units, students are encouraged to engage with religious sources of wisdom and authority while evaluating differing interpretations of faith.

In Year 11, students build upon their earlier studies by examining Christian sources of authority, discipleship and forms of expression within Christianity. They learn how sacred texts, traditions and practices influence believers and explore the variety of ways faith is expressed across Christian communities. Through revision, discussion and examination preparation, students develop increasingly sophisticated analytical and evaluative skills, enabling them to construct balanced and evidence-based arguments about religious, philosophical and ethical issues.

Alongside GCSE Religious Studies, students following the Core Religious Studies programme examine contemporary ethical and social issues, including marriage, family relationships, matters of life and death, Islam and religion in the media. These topics help students understand the continuing relevance of religion and ethics in modern society while encouraging responsible and informed citizenship.

By the end of their Religious Studies journey, students are equipped to think critically about belief and values, understand diverse perspectives and engage thoughtfully with the moral and philosophical questions that shape both individual lives and society as a whole.

Beyond the Classroom Experiences

Religious Studies is enriched through opportunities that encourage discussion, leadership and engagement beyond the classroom. At Key Stage 3, students can participate in Philosophy Club, where they debate contemporary ethical and philosophical questions and develop confidence in expressing and defending their views. GCSE students have access to intervention and support sessions that help deepen understanding of key religious concepts and examination skills. Visits to local places of worship allow students to experience faith communities first-hand and strengthen their understanding of lived religion. Older students have opportunities to take leadership roles within Philosophy Club, helping to foster discussion, critical thinking and intellectual curiosity across the school community.

GCSE and A-Level Specifications

EDEXCEL GCSE Religious Studies (EDEXL 1RA0) (Option Zh)

Wider Reading Opportunities

Years 7–8

The Pig That Wants to Be Eaten – Julian Baggini
What Do You Believe? – DK
A Little History of Religion – Richard Holloway
The Philosophy Files – Stephen Law

Year 9

Religion for Atheists – Alain de Botton
The Young Person's Guide to Philosophy – Jeremy Weate
Stories from the Hindu and Jewish Traditions – various editions
No Matter What You Believe – Anna Wills

Years 10–11

The Case for God – Karen Armstrong
Mere Christianity – C.S. Lewis
The Book of Joy – The Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu
GCSE Religious Studies revision and support texts

Self-led Exploration

1. Philosophy Now

https://philosophynow.org

2. RE:ONLINE

https://www.reonline.org.uk

3. BBC Religion and Ethics

https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion

4. TED Philosophy Talks

Analyse ethical arguments.

5. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

https://plato.stanford.edu

6. Theos Think Tank

The Blue Coat School Liverpool