Religious Studies & Citizenship

Why we teach Religious Studies at Harris Academy Purley

Religious Studies at Harris Academy Purley empowers students to understand and engage with the world’s most influential religious, philosophical, and ethical ideas. From Years 7 through 13, our curriculum develops students’ religious literacy—the ability to understand, interpret, and respond to the diversity of beliefs and world views that shape human experience locally, nationally, and globally.

At Key Stage 3, students study Religious Studies through the disciplines of theology, philosophy, and the social sciences, with an explicit focus on world views. Students explore religious and non-religious perspectives in context, engaging critically with sacred texts, philosophical questions, and real-world issues. Through this, they develop skills of critical thinking, analysis, and ethical reasoning.

Our RS curriculum equips students to ask big questions, develop well-reasoned opinions, and participate in meaningful dialogue. It supports students’ personal development by nurturing empathy, respect for diversity, and curiosity about others. RS also plays a central role in our academy’s broader work on British values, SMSC development, and inclusion.

We believe that understanding religion and philosophy is an essential part of being an informed global citizen. Our curriculum provides a strong foundation for further study in the humanities and social sciences and encourages students to engage with the "great conversations" that have shaped – and continue to shape – our world.

What exam board do we follow?

At Key Stage 4, students may choose Religious Studies as a GCSE option. We follow AQA Religious Studies Specification A, which offers a rigorous and relevant study of religion and ethics. The course is split into two key strands:

1. The Study of Religions: Beliefs, Teachings and Practices

   • Christianity

   • Islam

2. Thematic Studies

   • Relationships and family

   • Religion and life

   • Crime and punishment

   • Human rights and social justice

Students explore religious texts and ethical dilemmas through debate, extended writing, and real-world case studies. The course fosters strong evaluative and analytical skills essential for academic success.

GCSE students will follow the AQA Religious Studies A (8062) specification.

AQA Religious Studies A (8062)

At KS5, students can study AQA A-Level Religious Studies, with a focus on:

• Philosophy of Religion – Arguments for and against the existence of God, the problem of evil, and religious experience.

• Ethics – Meta-ethics, normative theories, and applied ethics (e.g., euthanasia, business ethics).

• Christianity – Christian theology, beliefs, and practices, including liberation theology, pluralism, secularism, and gender.

A-Level RS equips students with the analytical depth and academic rigor required for university-level study in a range of fields including theology, philosophy, law, politics, and the social sciences.