Religious Studies, Ethics and Philosophy

Curriculum Intent

As global citizens, our students will develop a positive sense of self and others through a coherent, knowledge-rich curriculum combining theological and secular worldviews, philosophical enquiry and ethical reasoning. By exploring diverse beliefs and their impact on daily life, students will refine their own reasoning through respectful dialogue. This rigorous academic approach nurtures critical thinking and cultural empathy, actively promoting British Values, mutual respect and a deep understanding of human rights.

Key Stage 3

Year 7 Curriculum Overview

Autumn Term

	Half Term 1	Half Term 2
Knowledge	Enquiry Question: What evidence is used to explore the existence of a divine power?   Key Questions: Why do people believe in God? What is the ‘First Cause’ argument? How does the design argument support a Creator God? What is Polytheism? What is monotheism?	Enquiry Question: How has ancient Greek Philosophy shaped society?   Key Questions: Who was Socrates? Who was Plato? Who was Aristotle? What do stoics believe? What was the Epicurean view of the soul, gods and death? What was the core philosophy of Scepticism?
How we assess	Summative	Formative

 

Spring Term

	Half Term 3	Half Term 4
Knowledge	Enquiry Question: What are the roots of Judaism and how have they shaped Abrahamic faiths?   Key Questions: Intro to Abrahamic faiths What are the different Jewish beliefs and practices? What are the main rituals and ceremonies?	Enquiry Question: How do the parables of Jesus, challenge and inspire Christians to act as ‘good neighbours’?   Key Questions: Who was Jesus? Why is the Trinity important to Christians? What were the miracles of Jesus? Why did Jesus use Parables? Are the teachings of the Good Samaritan still relevant today?
How we assess	Formative	Summative

 

Summer Term

	Half Term 5	Half Term 6
Knowledge	Module Enquiry: How does Islam shape everyday life?   Key Questions: How did the words of the Quran inspire Muhammad? How does the practice of Salah bring a Muslim’s declaration of faith from belief to action? How do the obligations of Zakat and discipline of Sawm develop social responsibility and spiritual empathy? How does the experience of Hajj transform a Muslim’s life?	Module Enquiry: How does morality and critical thinking impact our judgements/actions?   Key Questions: How do we solve moral dilemmas? Is morality Absolute or Subjective? What is Critical thinking? Moral dilemma – is it ok to Lie? How do people worship? What is the significance of religious objects?
How we assess	Formative	Formative

 

Year 8 Curriculum Overview

Autumn Term

	Half Term 1	Half Term 2
Knowledge	Module Enquiry: What is the most effective way for a Sikh to show commitment to God?   Key Questions: What are Sikh codes of conduct? How were the Gurus role-models? What is the spiritual meaning behind each of the 5Ks? Is Sewa (Selfless Service) the ultimate way to achieve equality? Why do Sikhs treat the Guru Granth Sahib as a living Guru? How do Sikhs support justice?	Module Enquiry: How can we overcome barriers that divide us?     Key Questions: What is our personal and collective Identity? What is prejudice? What are the consequences of discrimination? Case study: The Caste System How do we create social harmony and a fairer society?
How we assess	Summative	Summative

 

Spring Term

	Half Term 3	Half Term 4
Knowledge	Enquiry Question: Is the goal of life, through Hindu Dharma, to escape the world or improve it?   Key Questions: What is Santana Dharma? Why are Hindu dharma festivals celebrated? How does atman encourage care of the environment? Do you have to be vegetarian? Is there more to life? X2	Enquiry Question: How have Shinto and Buddhism harmoniously coexisted to shape Japanese culture and daily life?   Key Questions: What is Shintoism? What is Japanese Zen Buddhist philosophy, through poetry? Who were the samurai?
How we assess	Formative	Formative

 

Summer Term

	Half Term 5	Half Term 6
Knowledge	Enquiry Question: Continued… Intro to Buddhism What are the Universal Truths? How can the Four Noble Truths help manage everyday stress? Which mindfulness techniques are most effective for practicing the Eightfold Path in modern life? How does meditation make you happier?	Enquiry Question: Are Religious Movements a threat to social cohesion, or a healthy sign of religious freedom?   Key Questions: Who are the Amish? What is Scientology? What is Jedi-ism?
How we assess	Formative	Formative

 

Year 9 Curriculum Overview

Autumn Term

	Half Term 1	Half Term 2
Knowledge	Enquiry Question: Can religion and science co-exist in their view of the Universe and Humanity?   Key Questions: Are science and religion conflicting worldviews, or do they answer different human questions? How does a lack of trust in official institutions lead to the rise of fringe / conspiracy theories? How do religious beliefs and scientific scepticism overlap, in the spread of modern misinformation? Can religious creation accounts and the scientific theory of evolution coexist?	Enquiry Question: Does sentience alone grant an organism the same moral status and right to ethical consideration as a human being?   Key Questions: How do we decide if an action is ethical? Under what conditions is terminating a pregnancy legally permissible? Is the current legal framework fit for purpose, and should abortion be decriminalised? Do major faiths agree on when life begins? Is it ever morally right to actively end a person's life to relieve suffering? Do animals have moral status and basic rights?
How we assess	Summative	Formative

 

Spring Term

	Half Term 3	Half Term 4
Knowledge	Enquiry Question: To what extent should a justice system focus on punishing wrongdoing versus rehabilitating the offender?   Key Questions: How does the legal system define murder compared to manslaughter? How do psychological profiles help police catch serious offenders? What biological and social factors drive people to commit crimes? What is Restorative justice? Should justice focus on retribution, deterrence, or rehabilitation? What is the death penalty? What does Anthony Haynes' case reveal about the flaws of Death Row? How do different faith traditions justify or condemn state-sanctioned execution?	Enquiry Question: Continued… [To what extent do state-sanctioned punishments, such as capital punishment or solitary confinement, violate the absolute human right to be free from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment?]   Key Questions: Is capital punishment a justified deterrent or a human rights violation? To what extent did the Derek Bentley case expose the tension between joint enterprise laws and the protection of vulnerable individuals? How does the 1955 trial and 2026 pardon of Ruth Ellis expose the limitations of mandatory capital punishment? Why might Humanists oppose the death penalty? How can a society overcome the current problems in the UK prison system?
How we assess	Summative	Formative

 

Summer Term

	Half Term 5	Half Term 6
Knowledge	Enquiry Question: What does the Holocaust reveal about the fragility of human rights, and what does this teach us about our responsibility to protect them?   Key Questions: To what extent was the Holocaust the culmination of centuries of deeply rooted European antisemitism? How did a democratic state transform into a totalitarian regime capable of state-sponsored mass murder? What does the Holocaust reveal about human nature and the capacity for both extraordinary cruelty and moral courage?	Enquiry Question: What drove some individuals to risk their lives to save others, while the vast majority remained passive bystanders?   Key Questions: Holocaust survivor – Freddie Knoller Is evil an inherent part of human nature, or is it a choice made by individuals? What is the true cost of Christian discipleship? Dietrich Bonhoffer How does God’s will shape moral responsibility Bonhoffer theology Is civil disobedience a religious or moral imperative? Bonhoffer evaluation Governing Society – what are today’s ‘5 Evil Giants’?
How we assess	Formative	Formative

 

Key Stage 3 useful resources:

Websites:

Core Curriculum & World Religions

BBC Bitesize KS3 Religious Studies: The ultimate hub for exploring the history, core beliefs, and modern practices of the six major world religions. It features engaging short films, interactive revision quizzes, and summaries perfectly tailored to Year 7, 8, and 9 students.

BBC Teach: A-Z of Religion and Beliefs: Animated video series mapping out complex concepts. It covers topics ranging from Atheism and Creation Stories to Extremism and Yom Kippur using modern, accessible animations.

RE:quest: A major UK repository focusing deeply on Christianity. It features real interviews with young British Christians, interactive games, and multimedia resources that explore how ancient theology applies to modern teen life.

The British Library: Discovering Sacred Texts: A library interface where students can zoom in on real historical manuscripts, scrolls, and texts from major faiths, highlighting the global history of scripture.

 

Modern Ethics & Moral Dilemmas

TrueTube: A multi-award-winning UK site filled with professionally produced short films, mockumentaries, and student-led debates. It tackles "big question" ethics such as climate change, human rights, relationships, and social justice from both faith and secular perspectives.

BBC Bitesize: Morals, Ethics, and Philosophy: A dedicated section covering contemporary ethical debates. Students can explore challenging ideas around suffering, multi-faith societies, medical ethics, and environmental responsibility.

Oak National Academy: KS3 Religious Education: A free, government-backed repository hosting fully sequenced, video-led lessons on ethical arguments, philosophy of religion, and human choices.

 

Philosophy & Secular Worldviews

The Philosophy Foundation: Provides interactive "thought stories" and philosophical stimulus prompts specifically written for ages 11–14. It teaches teenagers how to think rather than what to think, challenging them on free speech, logic, and fairness.

Humanists UK: Understanding Humanism: The premier UK resource for investigating non-religious worldviews. It utilizes short videos, interviews, and infographics to explain how Humanists look at ethics, scientific reason, and the meaning of life without a god.

 

Books:

Philosophy & Big Questions

The Philosophers’ Daughters: Two young peoples’ big questions answered by leading philosophers, scientists, educators and religious thinkers from around the world: Philosopher and theologian Dr Peter Vardy has collected 54 of the best questions about life asked by his young daughters Petra and Thora, attempted to answer them himself and gathered additional answers from leading figures in a variety of fields from across the world.  

Some questions posed are: Why care for the weak and vulnerable if survival is all that matters? Why are people so concerned with fashions and the labels on clothes? Isn’t religion just a matter of being conditioned by your parents? How do we explain the Big Bang? What is love?

Philosophy: A Visual Encyclopedia (DK Publishing): Introduces major thinkers from Plato to Simone de Beauvoir using color-coded timelines, clear breakdowns of major branches of thought, and interactive thought experiments.

Sophie's World (Jostein Gaarder): A classic, bestselling mystery novel that doubles as a comprehensive history of Western philosophy. It follows 14-year-old Sophie as she receives mysterious letters detailing the evolution of human thought.

Sophie’s World Vol II: A Graphic Novel About the History of Philosophy: From Descartes to the Present Day, (Jostein Gaarder) Sophie’s come a long way since the day she received that cryptic letter with its intriguing question: “Who are you?” The mysterious correspondence sweeps our curious young heroine off on a tour of Western philosophy from its ancient foundations through the Renaissance. But it also prompts more personal reflection: What is my place in the world, my purpose in life? And just who is that girl, a stranger and yet so familiar, I glimpse in the mirror?
 Sophie’s quest for answers will see her explore major schools of modern thought from Descartes and Locke to Freud and Marx.

Just Think: Philosophy Puzzles for Children Aged 9 to 90 (Philip West): A fantastic collection of 30 puzzles broken down into epistemology, ethics, aesthetics, and the philosophy of religion. Each puzzle begins with a relatable debate between a brother and sister before connecting the issue to famous philosophical theories.

Meditations: A Teen Translation (Marcus Aurelius / Reimagined): A modern, accessible translation of the Roman Emperor’s classic journal. It translates core Stoic principles into everyday scenarios that matter to young teens, such as dealing with school stress, friendships, and digital distractions.

Ethics & Moral Dilemmas

Teen-Think Philosophy: Ethics (Classroom Teacher Press): Specifically designed for young teenagers. This book presents bold ethical dilemmas (e.g., "Do the ends justify the means?" or "What do I owe to others?") alongside reflective journal prompts and structured debate ideas.

How to Be Perfect (Michael Schur): Written by the creator of the comedy series The Good Place. This book uses smart, accessible, and highly humorous language to introduce the three main ethical frameworks: virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and deontology.

The Little Book of Big Ethical Questions (Susan Liautaud): A highly scannable Q&A book that tackles modern, messy situations. It helps teens navigate real-world problems like artificial intelligence, social media habits, facial recognition, and everyday honesty.

World Religions & Belief Systems

The Kids Book of World Religions (Jennifer Glossop): A uniquely comprehensive guide that goes beyond the "Big Five" religions to look at global spiritual traditions. It uses a geographic approach, detailed maps, and timelines to demonstrate how geography, history, and belief intersect.

The Religions Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained (DK Publishing): A brilliant, non-judgmental introduction to the history, sacred texts, and central practices of the world’s major faiths. It uses clear graphics and flowcharts to explain complex theological developments.

Philosophy and Ethics: KS3 Knowing Religion (Robert Orme): This is a highly regarded text used in the UK secondary school curriculum for ages 11–14 (Key Stage 3). It delivers 18 structured, knowledge-rich chapters exploring human nature, the existence of God and religious Ethics.

 

Out-of-school enrichment:

Chelmsford Science Festival 2026 - ARU Some great, mainly free, afternoon/evening lectures.

What's on | Chelmsford Cathedral Activities, events and lectures to explore.

1. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden Temple), London

Europe's first traditional Hindu temple. It provides a profound ethical, educational, and philosophical experience. The main temple is an architectural marvel carved from Italian Carrara marble and Bulgarian limestone. The "Understanding Hinduism" exhibition on the ground floor which explores India’s ancient wisdom, including the origins of science, yoga, and ethical living.

Location: Brentfield Road, London NW10 8LD

Cost: Free entry (donations welcome); small fee applies for the exhibition

Travel time: Approx. 45-55 minutes via the M11 and North Circular (A406) from Springfield, Chelmsford. Or take the train from Chelmsford to London Liverpool Street, then the Tube (Jubilee Line) to Neasden.

2. The British Museum, Central London

The British Museum is a hub for ethical, religious, and philosophical investigation, boasting a massive collection spanning human history, culture, and belief systems. For a philosophical perspective, examine the Rosetta Stone (exploring the transmission of knowledge), the Standard of Ur (showing early social structures), and the Enlightenment Gallery.

Location: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG

Cost: Free entry (booking free timed tickets in advance is recommended)

Travel time: Approx. 50-60 minutes by train from Chelmsford to London Liverpool Street, then a quick Central line trip to Holborn or Tottenham Court Road.

3. Waltham Abbey Gardens & Royal Gunpowder Mills, Essex

Waltham Abbey provides the perfect backdrop for exploring the ethical evolution of religious power and philosophy in England. The peaceful ruins of the historic Abbey and its tranquil grounds allow for quiet reflection on the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII. Nearby, the Royal Gunpowder Mills offers a different educational angle on science and human morality, detailing the ethical complexities of 300 years of explosives manufacturing and warfare.

Location: Abbey View, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1XQ

Cost: Check venue websites for specific prices; Abbey grounds are generally free to explore.

Travel time: Approx. 35-45 minutes by car from Springfield via the M25 (junction 26).

4. St Paul's Cathedral, London

Standing as a towering testament to Christianity and English history, the cathedral is a perfect location for older children and teenagers to contemplate the philosophy of faith, resilience, and mortality. The breathtaking interior, soaring dome, and crypt containing the tombs of Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington offer rich educational dialogue about the moral compass and history of the nation.

Location: St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD

Cost: Sightseeing tickets apply; family tickets are available.

Travel time: Approx. 45 minutes by train from Chelmsford to London Liverpool Street, followed by a short Central line ride to St Paul.

 

Key Stage 4

Year 10 Curriculum Overview

Autumn Term

	Half Term 1	Half Term 2
Knowledge	Christian Beliefs   Nicene Creed Denominations Trinity Creation in Genesis Life and death of Jesus Salvation and original sin Heaven and Hell	Christian Practices   Worship Sacraments – Baptism and Eucharist Prayer Pilgrimages – Walsingham and Taizé Festival – Christmas and Easter UK Census Church in local community Persecution
How we assess	Christian beliefs unit exam paper	Christian practises unit exam paper

 

Spring Term

	Half Term 3	Half Term 4
Knowledge	Islamic Beliefs   Oneness of God 6 articles of faith (Sunni) 5 roots of Islam (Shia) Heaven and Hell	Islamic Practices   5 Pillars of Islam (Sunni) 10 Obligatory Acts (Shia) Festivals Jihad
How we assess	Islamic beliefs end of unit exam paper	Islamic practices end of unit exam paper

 

Summer Term

	Half Term 5	Half Term 6
Knowledge	Good and Evil Aims of punishment Treatment of criminals Why people commit crime Sin Law and justice	Good and Evil Death penalty Religious attitudes toward the death penalty Forgiveness Religious views on forgiveness
How we assess	Good and Evil end of unit exam paper	Good and Evil end of unit exam paper

 

Year 11 Curriculum Overview

Autumn Term

	Half Term 1	Half Term 2
Knowledge	Life and Death Value of human life Animal rights Abortion and the law Euthanasia and the law	Life and Death Ideas of the afterlife Funeral Rites Environmental issues
How we assess	Life and Death end of Unit exam paper	Life and Death end of Unit exam paper

 

Spring Term

	Half Term 3	Half Term 4
Knowledge	Issues and relationships   Changing nature of family life Sex outside of marriage Marriage and divorce and religious responses Interfaith relationships	Issues and Relationships   Contraception Gender roles in society Religious responses to gender Homosexuality
How we assess	Relationships end of unit exam paper	Relationships end of unit exam paper

 

Summer Term

	Half Term 5	Half Term 6
Knowledge	Human rights   Human rights act and equality laws Religious conviction Religious case studies (Martin Luther King, Desmond Tutu)   Censorship	Human rights and Revision     Prejudice and discrimination Racism Wealth and poverty Religious responses
How we assess	Human rights end of unit exam paper	Human rights end of unit exam paper

Key Stage 4 useful resources: [See also KS3 resources]

Websites:

gcse-religious-studies-resource-guide.pdf

GCSE Religious Studies | Eduqas Specification

GCSE Religious Studies | Eduqas Past Papers, Mark Schemes, Examiners Reports

Eduqas Digital Educational Resources

GCSE Religious Studies - Eduqas - BBC Bitesize

Books:

Main Student Textbook: Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies Route A: Christianity, Islam and themes: Amazon.co.uk: Lloyd, Clare: 9781382009522: Books by Clare Lloyd (approx £24.99). Covers Christianity, Islam and Moral Issues themes = the FULL course.

Revision Guide: My Revision Notes WJEC Eduqas GCSE (9-1) Religious Studies Route A (Hodder Education, approx £12.50)

Out-of-school enrichment:

1. Christianity and Social Action

• Location: Chelmsford Cathedral, New Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1TY.
• Travel Time: A quick 10-15 minute walk or 5-minute drive from Springfield, Chelmsford.
• Moral Focus: The cathedral is deeply engaged in the Chelmsford Against Slavery Partnership (CASP) and frequently runs events addressing modern slavery and human trafficking. Visiting allows you to explore the theological basis for human rights, dignity, and combating exploitation.
• Action: Check their events calendar for social justice lectures or book an educational group tour to speak with the cathedral's community team.

2. Islam and Community Integration

• Location: East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre, 46 Fieldgate Street, London, E1 1ES.
• Travel Time: 45 minutes on the Greater Anglia train from Chelmsford to London Liverpool Street, followed by a brief walk or short Tube ride (District or Hammersmith & City line to Whitechapel).
• Moral Focus: This is one of the largest mosques in Europe and a focal point for Islamic social outreach. You can learn about how the mosque supports asylum seekers, provides food banks, and promotes interfaith dialogue in a multicultural urban environment.
• Action: They offer free guided tours and host regular "Discover The Mosque" open days where you can openly discuss Islamic ethics, charity, and daily practice with their visits team.

Enrichment Opportunities through school:

Clubs

• Philosophy Club
• LGBT club

Trips

• Springfield Parish Church  Year 7
• Bhaktivedanta manor Year 8
• Law Courts Year 9 (postponed until 2027/2028)
• Cambridge Central Mosque and Cambridge Great St. Mary Church Year 10

Visitors

• St Augustine Church Speaker year 7
• Prison Chaplain – Chelmsford Prison – Year 10
• Law department talk – Year 10