Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Unit 1 – How do we define religion? In this unit, students will explore the concepts of religion, belief, and values, developing an understanding of how these ideas shape individual and collective identities across the world. By examining the different ways people define and express their beliefs, students will gain insight into the role of religion and worldviews in society and in the lives of individuals. They will explore key questions about the nature of belief, the sources of truth, and the diversity of religious and non-religious worldviews.

Unit 1 – What is it like being Buddhist? In this unit, students will explore the beliefs, practices, and teachings of Buddhism, a religion that offers a unique perspective on life, suffering, and the path to enlightenment. Students will learn about the life of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), the core teachings of Buddhism, and how these teachings are practiced in different cultures, including the UK and countries around the world. Students will also examine the role of meditation, compassion, and mindfulness in the Buddhist way of life.

Unit 1 – Why should we be good? In this unit, students will explore the concept of morality, examining what it means to be good and how people determine right from wrong. Through a combination of historical, philosophical, and religious perspectives, students will investigate the sources of moral guidance, the importance of conscience, and the role of role models in shaping ethical behaviour. The unit will encourage students to think critically about moral decisions, the impact of their actions on others, and how they can contribute to a more just and compassionate society.

Unit 2 – What is it like being Jewish? This unit introduces the foundational beliefs, historical origins, and cultural practices of Judaism. Students will explore key figures, significant events, and the rituals that shape Jewish identity. By the end of the unit, students will have a deeper understanding of what it means to be Jewish, the significance of the Jewish faith in the world today, and how traditions are upheld within the community.

Unit 2 – What is it like being Jewish? This unit introduces the foundational beliefs, historical origins, and cultural practices of Judaism. Students will explore key figures, significant events, and the rituals that shape Jewish identity. By the end of the unit, students will have a deeper understanding of what it means to be Jewish, the significance of the Jewish faith in the world today, and how traditions are upheld within the community.

Unit 2 – What happens when we die? This unit invites students to explore profound questions surrounding death, dying, and the afterlife. Students will examine various religious and philosophical perspectives, including those of the Abrahamic and Dharmic traditions, and discuss contemporary issues such as euthanasia and cryonics. By the end of this unit, students will have developed a more informed understanding of the beliefs and ethical considerations surrounding death.

Unit 3 – What is it like being Christian?

In this unit, students will explore the core beliefs, practices, and traditions of Christianity, allowing them to understand what it is like to be a Christian. By the end of the unit, students will have discovered the history, teachings, and values that shape the Christian faith, as well as the significance of key events and practices for Christians today, including the Trinity, creation the incarnation, pilgrimage and rites of passage.

Unit 3 – What is it like being Muslim?

In this unit, students will explore the beliefs, practices, and traditions of Islam, gaining a deeper understanding of what it is like to be a Muslim. By the end of the unit, students will have explored the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the significance of the Qur'an, the core beliefs and practices that shape the Muslim faith, and the values that guide Muslim communities around the world. Students will have a well-rounded understanding of how Muslims live their faith and how Islam influences their daily lives.

Unit 3 – What is philosophy?

In this unit, students will be introduced to fundamental philosophical questions that explore the nature of reality, existence, and belief. Through critical thinking and open dialogue, students will examine different ways of understanding the world around us and the larger questions about life, God, and the universe. This unit will encourage students to think deeply about how we know what we know, the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the role of miracles in religious belief.

Unit 4 – What is it like being Muslim?

In this unit, students will explore the beliefs, practices, and traditions of Islam, gaining a deeper understanding of what it is like to be a Muslim. By the end of the unit, students will have explored the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the significance of the Qur'an, the core beliefs and practices that shape the Muslim faith, and the values that guide Muslim communities around the world. Students will have a well-rounded understanding of how Muslims live their faith and how Islam influences their daily lives.

Unit 4 – What do other people believe?

In this unit, students will explore a wide range of spiritual beliefs and practices, learning about different religions and philosophies from around the world. The focus will be on understanding the diversity of human thought and how people find meaning, purpose, and guidance in their lives through their beliefs. By examining lesser-known spiritual traditions as well as addressing key philosophical questions, students will gain a broader perspective on what it means to belong to a faith or worldview, and how beliefs shape both individual lives and communities.

Unit 4 – Spread a little kindness

This unit encourages students to explore core values of empathy, understanding, and action. Students will reflect on key concepts such as multiculturalism, prejudice, discrimination, and the ethical treatment of others—both humans and animals. The unit fosters critical thinking around the roles individuals can play in creating a kinder, more just world, both locally and globally. Students will examine the power of kindness, the effects of bias and stereotypes, and consider how our actions today can shape a better future for all.