Religious Education at Crypt is delivered in Years 7 - 8 at KS3 level and Year 9 at GCSE level. At the end of Year 9, all students will take an accelerated Short Course GCSE. The subject is exciting and experiential and students benefit from a range of innovative and challenging teaching. 

Focus of Study

Key Stage 3 RE is a study of Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism. We follow the Gloucestershire Agreed Syllabus which aims to guide the student in the development of a broad understanding of beliefs and the impact of religion on people's lives and society.

Key questions are asked to deepen the student's understanding of issues of diversity, secularism, belonging, community and identity. Through investigation, reflection and evaluation, students will learn about religion and learn from religion; expressing their own beliefs and values through a variety of learning styles and creative tasks. Students in year 7 & 8 complete termly home-work projects based on the unit studied. They are also given a ‘challenge’ activity which allows creative learning styles to be developed.

In Year 9 students are entered for the AQA Religious Studies Short Course (information can be found here: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-short-course-8061) GCSE, which they begin in the final term of year 8.

This involves the study of religious beliefs within the context of contemporary issues. The units studied and examined are: Relationships, Looking for Meaning, Is it Fair? & Our World. The units are all relevant to every- day life and teach the necessity for respect and understanding in a diverse way.

Our results have been outstanding in year 9 – with up to 86% of boys attaining grades of A*A. 100% A*-C grades reflect the department’s excellent reputation for teaching and learning, and the support that students receive if required.

How Do We Teach?

RE is delivered in a variety of learning styles from interactive ICT to role-play, experiential, creativity, peer teaching and visits to the wider community, or visits from subject experts into the classroom. Students in year 7 & 8 complete termly home-work projects based on the unit studied. They are also given a ‘challenge’ activity which allows creative learning styles to be developed.

We recognise that RE must be relevant to those of all faiths and no faith and the subject is creatively structured to provide a fast-paced and challenging lesson that deals honestly with the basic questions of life. We do focus on the five major world religions but also examine secular world views- in particular a humanist approach to life.

Our programme of study for years 7- 9 is as follows:

Please refer to our Philosophy & Ethics RS page for KS4 &5 subject information.