Religious Studies
Studying religion helps children to understand both themselves and the world around them. Having a thorough knowledge of what makes people different, but what connects them too, moves us past tolerance and into acceptance.
The study of religion prepares you for more than a career, it prepares you for life. As we mark the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, the power of religion to inspire and provoke, unite and polarize remains strong. An understanding of this phenomenon helps explore the most basic questions of our existence. From politics and art to science and war, the study of religion opens a gateway to understanding the world around us. 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. Students are also introduced to basic ethical and philosophical ideas such as utilitarianism and virtue ethics. These enhance the development of both personal reflection and critical thinking. During academic year 2025-26 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) have their beliefs and practices studied in depth. These are used to explore a range of philosophical and ethical issues. These include: the role and importance of the family, crime and punishment, war peace and justice and the conflict between science and religion.
Students will develop their written and verbal skills in critical evaluation and the development of 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 politicized.
All pupils follow a program of statutory RS which is incorporated into our Wednesday morning PSHE program as well as assemblies and other events. If parents and carers wish to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Studies please contact the subject leader Mr. J Smith jgs@theroyal.school