Religious Studies

Whether you consider yourself a religious person or not, or whether you think religion has played a positive or negative role in history, it is an incontrovertible fact that from the beginning of time, humans have engaged in activities that we now call religion, such as worship, prayer, and rituals marking important life passages. Moreover, religions have always asked fundamental questions, such as: What is the true meaning of life? What happens to us after death? How do we explain human suffering and injustices? 

Key Stage 3 

Students arrive at the Royal School from a range of religious and cultural backgrounds. Throughout year 7 and year 8, we aim to give students a solid understanding of the world’s six main religions: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism. Students study the history, beliefs and practices of each religion and apply what they have learned to ethical issues such as abortion, euthanasia, animal rights and care of the environment. During academic year 2024-25 it is intended that all students will have the opportunity to take part in multi-faith experience visits to places of worship within the Wolverhampton area. 

Cross-curricular links with other subjects will also be explored – particularly History and Geography. 

Key Stage 4 

Students who chose to study GCSE at Key Stage 4 will follow the AQA Religious Studies Syllabus A. Two religions (Christianity and another chosen by the class) are used to explore a range of philosophical and ethical issues. These include matters such as the conflict between science and religion, war peace and justice, crime and punishment and genetic engineering. 

Students will develop their written and verbal skills in critical evaluation and developing a balanced argument. They also learn about how religion, philosophy, and ethics form the basis of our culture. Students are also encouraged to develop a set of ethical and moral beliefs and understand why some topics can be so highly policed and politicised. 
 

All pupils follow a programme of statutory RS which is incorporated into our Wednesday morning programme as well as assemblies and other events. If parents and carers wish to withdraw their child from all or part of RS please contact the subject leader Mr Smith jgs@theroyal.school