Religious Studies and Beliefs and Values

Our aim is to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the major world religions and what links them together and identifies their uniqueness.

You will understand and develop personal opinions on key moral issues. You will become aware of key aspects of personal safety, such as drugs, sex and relationships education and personal health.

What will I study?

Year 8

The principal aim of Beliefs and Values in Year 8 is to engage students in systematic enquiry into human questions which religion and world views address, so that they can develop the understanding and skills needed to appreciate and appraise various responses to these questions, as well as develop responses of their own. Students are taught knowledge, skills and understanding through learning about Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Sikhism and Buddhism.

The five key areas covered in Year 8 are:

  • Founders
  • Places of worship
  • Festivals
  • Birth rites
  • Death rites

Year 9

Sex, Relationships and Health Education

  • Different types of family life
  • Respectful relationships
  • Sexual risks
  • Intimate and sexual relations and sexual health

Drugs and Alcohol Education

  • Alcohol education
  • Drugs education
  • Smoking education

Crime and Punishment

  • Is punishment effective?
  • Religious beliefs
  • The death penalty
  • What is a crime?
  • Why do we punish?

What career could I have with a qualification in Beliefs and Values?

Courses you could study at university include:

  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Philosophy
  • Teacher Training

Careers which require an Beliefs and Values qualification include:

  • Charity Fundraiser
  • Counsellor
  • Lawyer
  • Philosopher
  • Politician
  • Teacher