Subject Vision & Intent

Core RCS

It is our shared vision to ensure that all students receive high quality Religious and Citizenship education in line with national standards. Students will develop their spiritual, moral, social and cultural education through a holistic curriculum.

Core Citizenship: This is designed to stimulate and encourage individuals to be respectful, tolerant citizens in society capable of fostering healthy relationships. We aim to provide students with the knowledge, skills and qualities they need to keep themselves healthy, safe and prepared for life and work beyond education. Through this, we will positively impact on both academic and non-academic outcomes for pupils, particularly those most vulnerable and disadvantaged. We continue to develop these core experiences for our young people throughout KS4 by ensuring students are financially literate and well supported in their choice of careers. It is our vision at Penistone Grammar to put equality at the heart of everything we do and ensuring our values of respect, diplomacy and inclusion are embedded firmly within our curriculum.

Core Religious Studies: Our Religious Studies programme enables students to explore beliefs, experiences and values whilst learning about oneself. Our curriculum reflects an academic programme of study which approaches religious and non-religious content and concepts through various disciplinary approaches. Through this we believe students become knowledge rich in our selected areas of study, can challenge and cite misconceptions whilst simultaneously developing their own personal knowledge about faith, meaning and morality.

GCSE

GCSE Citizenship: Students who study GCSE Citizenship will be supported to become responsible citizens who take pride in participating in the communities of which they belong. Students will learn how to be pragmatic and active in the face of perceived injustice, whilst being able to articulate their ideas in a clear and respectful manner. It is our greatest intention that our students learn to value the multicultural and diverse nature of the UK as well as our British values. Moreover, we will encourage pupils to be patrons of social justice and peace. Students will become knowledge rich in aspects of democracy, government and law whilst beginning to develop their own sense of justice, duty and morality.

GCSE Belief and Ethics: Students who study Belief and Ethics will continue to develop their understanding of the ways in which both religious and non-religious belief informs values and practices in the modern world. Students will learn to value truth and integrity, strengthening their capacity for making moral judgements when partaking in ethical debates. Students will draw upon their prior knowledge to develop more complex conceptual ideas which make sense of theological, historical and sociological truths. It is our intention that students have the opportunities to express themselves as inquisitive, open-minded and analytical individuals who value the complex nature of humankind.

A-Level

Our A Level Religious Studies course is designed to spark curiosity and encourage students to explore some of life’s most important questions - about existence, morality, and belief. By studying Philosophy, Ethics, and Religion together, students learn to think critically, analyse complex ideas, and construct well-reasoned arguments. We aim to create a learning environment where students feel confident engaging with different viewpoints and challenging ideas respectfully. The course nurtures independent thinking and equips students with valuable skills for university and beyond, including ethical awareness, cultural understanding, and logical reasoning.

In Philosophy of Religion, students examine both classical and contemporary arguments about the existence of God, the nature of religious experience, and the problem of evil. This encourages thoughtful discussion and reflection on ideas that have shaped human thought for centuries. The Ethics component introduces key moral theories such as Natural Law, Utilitarianism, and Kantian Ethics, which students apply to real-world issues like euthanasia, business ethics, and sexual ethics. This helps them develop empathy and the ability to evaluate different moral perspectives. In Developments in Christian Thought, students explore how religious beliefs respond to modern challenges such as secularism, pluralism, and gender, deepening their understanding of how faith continues to evolve in today’s world.

Beyond the academic content, the course supports students’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. It encourages them to become reflective individuals who can engage thoughtfully with ethical issues in a diverse and changing society. A Level Religious Studies also offers strong academic challenge. It pushes students to think deeply, question assumptions, and communicate their ideas with clarity and confidence. Whether they’re analysing philosophical arguments or debating ethical dilemmas, students develop skills that are highly valued in higher education and the workplace. The ability to think independently, write persuasively, and engage with complex ideas makes Religious Studies a subject that fosters both personal growth and academic excellence.

Aims & Expected Impacts

Termly Curriculum Overview

Assessments / Examinations

Home Learning

Enrichment / Personal Development

Careers