Aston Manor 
Curriculum Rationale in: Religious Education
KS3 Curriculum:
At Aston Manor Academy, we believe that Religious Education has an important part to play in promoting the spiritual, moral, social, cultural and intellectual development of our pupils and in helping them to gain a greater understanding of themselves and a more sympathetic awareness of the needs and differences of others. This enables pupils to be better equipped to cope with the responsibilities and experiences of adult life. To promote the ideas of our school vision, we believe that education in RE should be a child centred, exciting journey. Children will learn to understand the world and their place in it, know that all members of the school community show respect and tolerance for others and develop a better cultural awareness and acceptance of equality.
In Years 7 and 8, the specification affords freedom for teachers to facilitate learning in a way that reflects students’ individual curiosity, choices and beliefs. It also promotes an understanding of religion and beliefs, how they affect a persons’ life, and reflection on what inspires and influences individuals. Pupils also have the opportunity to consider the challenges of belonging to a religion in the modern world and respond sensitively to the experiences and feelings of others who may worship differently, or not at all. Working with this specification, teachers will plan learning experiences that are relevant and can engage students coming from a range of different backgrounds, beliefs and world-views. We follow the agreed syllabus for religious Education where pupils are helped to develop their knowledge, their affections, their skills and their relationships with others in society. This is achieved through planning schemes of learning that are linked to the 24 dispositions.
Y9 Curriculum:
Pupils continue to develop a more coherent view of Christianity and Islam topics selected from AQA Religious studies in Year 9. They also have the opportunity to build on the topics covered in Years 7 and 8 with pupils developing a deeper understanding of the two key religious traditions found in the U.K, as well as reflecting on atheist and other religious views. Year 9 gives a platform to a) ensure equity of understanding across all candidates and b) from which to develop pupils’ understanding of the faith communities found in Birmingham and across the world, alongside an opportunity to discuss, formulate and articulate their own beliefs and views on a variety of issues in a respectful and tolerant environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality.
Pupils are not only equipped with the skills required to live in a multi faith society, they also have more time to practise skills for exam preparation to ensure they have the knowledge and skills they will need to achieve their academic potential. Covering some of the GCSE specification in Year 9 helps nurture the habit of thinking time, improves speaking, listening and critical thinking skills and ensures that there is depth and breadth of study, allowing pupils to be more confident and knowledgeable in Years 10 and 11.
KS4 Curriculum:
At KS4, students follow a course in AQA Religious Studies. Students sit two examinations at the end of Year 11, forming 100% of the course. Our GCSE specification provides a broad understanding of the beliefs and practices of the faiths Christianity and Islam, as well as promoting religious literacy and the contemplation of ultimate questions. Students are able to reflect on and develop their own values, beliefs and attitudes in light of what they have learnt. There are also a range of relevant and contemporary themes to study that promote awareness of modern-world issues and engagement within the classroom.
KS5 Curriculum Overview:
In Years 12 and 13 students follow the Eduqas A level Religious Studies specification. We invite students who have achieved a Grade 6 at both English and Religious Studies to study the subject. The subject is split into three sections: Philosophy of Religion, Religion and Ethics and The study of Islam. An A-level in Religious Studies is a sound academic qualification and can provide a solid foundation for most career choices. It expands understanding of different people and cultures, alongside developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
The Religious Education curriculum is planned and sequenced carefully and strategically to have the greatest impact possible on student achievement. Pupils studying RE at GCSE achieve the highest results in the school and leave as well-rounded, respectful citizens who are committed to living in a tolerant, equal and diverse society where everyone has the right to achieve their potential.
Click on the link below to download our curriculum overview for RE: