Religious Studies


    Religious Studies at Cranbourne aims to:
    • Encourage pupils to explore and respond to how human beings have made sense of their existence and the world around them, whilst being given the opportunity to explore the meaning, purpose and value of life.
    • Contribute to the development of pupil’s knowledge and understanding of the ‘Living Difference’ religion makes to people's lives, which forms the heart of beliefs and practices of Christianity and the other major religious traditions represented in Great Britain.
    • Link the investigation of human experience to religious tradition and raise pupil awareness that religion can share features with the secular world.
    The emphasis of the department is on teaching Religious Studies as an academic subject and a high standard of work is expected from pupils. Homework is set regularly and pupil’s progress is closely monitored through assessments and records of achievement. Our approach is in accordance with the Hampshire Agreed Syllabus and we aim to engender a spirit of enquiry and interest in our pupils rather than fostering any particular religious standpoint.

    A considerable amount of teaching time is given to learning about world faiths although we place a greater emphasis upon the teaching of Christianity as Religious tradition in Great Britain is in the main Christian.

    The department seeks to deliver the teaching of RS within an environment of inclusive, mutual respect for all viewpoints and objectivity. The subject is made accessible to students of all backgrounds and abilities through differentiated teaching and resources.

    We hope upon leaving us our pupils may be considered religious educated. This will mean that they have a sound knowledge of religion and an understanding of religious practice and beliefs. They will have begun to recognise the spiritual dimension of life and will probably be seeking answers to fundamental questions of life.



    Religious Studies at Key Stage 3

    All Key Stage 3 students follow the Hampshire living difference agreed syllabus.

    Year 7
    Symbolism and Ritual
    What the Buddha Taught
    The Island

    Year 8
    Gandhi and Inspirational Individuals
    What does it mean to be a Muslim
    The beliefs of the Native Plains Indians

    Year 9
    Religion and the Media
    Jewish Identity
    GCSE RS Introductory unit


    Religious Studies at Key Stage 4

    At Key Stage 4 all student undertake the studying of GCSE course content. Here at Cranbourne we follow the WJEC specification B syllabus which includes the following:

    Year 10
    Unit 1 – Our world
    What makes us human?
    Why are we here?
    Religious teachings about the place and purpose of mankind in the world
    How did the universe begin?
    Why should we care for the world?

    Unit 2 – Relationships
    What commitments and responsibilities do we have?
    What is love?
    What about sex?
    Religious marriage ceremonies
    What about family?
    Happily ever after?
    Where should marriages take place?

    Unit 3 – Looking for Meaning
    What is God like?
    The nature of God
    Symbolism and imagery
    Why do some people believe in God and some do not?
    How do people experience God?
    What is the value of religion in a secular society?

    Unit 4 – Is it fair?
    What is fair?
    Why are people prejudiced?
    Why do people treat others differently?
    Social responsibility and the media
    What do we need and what do we want?

    Year 11
    Unit 1 – Religion and Conflict
    How can good relationships be developed?
    Conflict and war
    Can a war ever be just?
    Attitudes to non-violent protests
    Individuals or communities working for peace
    How important is forgiveness?
    The nature of suffering
    Religious teachings on suffering

    Unit 2 – Religion and medicine
    Why is life so special?
    The Sanctity of Life
    Medical and ethical decisions
    How does religion help or hinder people making decisions
    Should we have free will to make life or death decisions?
    Whose choice is it? Abortion
    Is it ever right to end a life? Euthanasia

    Unit 3 – Religious Expression
    Ways faith can be expressed
    How can beliefs drive actions?
    Expressing faith through what is worn
    Why worship in special buildings?
    Symbolism in places of worship
    What makes a journey special?
    Sharing faith with others

    Unit 4 – Authority – Religion and State
    Why should we obey authority?
    Religious teachings on duty
    Aims and purposes of punishment
    Capital punishment
    Religious attitudes to punishment
    The role of sacred texts
    Working for human rights