During KS3, students consider questions related to three main areas of focus within the major world religions; believing, behaving and belonging. The main aims of RE are to help students learn about religion and learn from religion. Students learn about religion by investigating the nature of religion and its beliefs, practices and forms of expression. This enables students to develop the skills of interpretation, analysis and explanation. Learning from religion develops students’ skills of interpretation and evaluation as they give their response to topics studied. The Pan-Berkshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education 2018-2023 is the reference point for KS3 content.

Year 7

• Concepts of God
• Expressions of Faith
• The Early Life of Jesus
• Places of Worship
• Symbolism and Religious Art

Year 8

• Islam
• Where did the world come from?
• Judaism
• Ethics and Values
• Religion and the Environment

Year 9

• Hinduism
• Life of Gandhi
• The later life of Jesus
• Buddhism
• Humanism

KS3 Assessment

Pupils are assessed on each topic focusing on two main skills:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Evaluation

Firstly, students will be required to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of a variety of religious and non-religious beliefs showing consideration of how these beliefs effect the actions of individuals and societies. Secondly, students should evaluate different views before arriving at their own conclusion.