Curriculum Leader: Mrs L Carey - careyl@alkerdenacademy.co.uk

"Alkerden Religious Education: Belief, Compassion, and Community in action."

In line with our school's Christian vision, the intent of the Key Stage 3 Religious Education curriculum is to provide learners with a rich and challenging opportunity to explore profound questions about life and belief. Our curriculum is designed to be coherent and systematic, enabling learners to develop a deep and secure understanding of Christianity as a living faith, while also engaging thoughtfully with a diverse range of other religions and worldviews. 

We aim to empower learners to become religiously literate and articulate individuals. They will be encouraged to explore, question, and reflect on their own beliefs and values, as well as those of others, in a safe and supportive environment. Through the rigorous study of sacred texts, key practices, and ethical teachings, learners will develop a nuanced understanding of how religion and belief shape human identity, influence society, and provide a framework for moral and spiritual development. 

Ultimately, our intent is for every learner to gain a comprehensive understanding of the role of faith in our world, to cultivate a spirit of curiosity and respect, and to articulate their own ideas with clarity and confidence. 

Learners have 3 lessons a fortnight, following a sequenced and planned series of lessons and topics.

Our Key Stage 3 Religious Education curriculum has a measurable and lasting impact on learners, equipping them to become thoughtful, respectful, and articulate young people. The impact of our curriculum is evidenced in the following ways: 

• Religiously Literate Learners: Our learners leave Key Stage 3 with a deep and secure knowledge of Christianity and a nuanced understanding of other major world religions. This is demonstrated through their confident and coherent responses in written work, classroom discussions, and formal assessments. Learners are able to recall, articulate, and apply their knowledge of key religious concepts, practices, and traditions with clarity. 
• Ethical and Empathetic Citizens: Learners are able to connect religious teachings to contemporary ethical dilemmas, demonstrating a well-developed capacity for moral reasoning. They show genuine curiosity and respect when engaging with diverse beliefs and worldviews, building a foundation of empathy that extends beyond the classroom. The curriculum's focus on reflection and personal response empowers them to consider their own values and how they relate to the wider world. 
• Inquisitive and Confident Communicators: Our learners are not only able to understand faith but also to communicate their own thoughts and feelings on profound questions about life and belief. They are confident in asking challenging questions, engaging in reasoned dialogue, and respectfully disagreeing. The curriculum's structured approach to learning and assessment ensures that learners leave Key Stage 3 with the skills and confidence to engage with religion and belief for the rest of their lives.

Alkerden Religious Education reflects our Alkerden Heart - exploring belief, living with compassion, and growing in community.

Parents have the right to withdraw their children from RE lessons. This request must be made in writing to the Heads of School.  Parents are strongly advised to consult with the school to seek further information on the RE curriculum and the approach to teaching and learning before any decision is made.

• Seneca
• BBC Bitesize: Religious Studies