BISHOP VAUGHAN

​Religious Education is at the heart of our Catholic school, recognised as “the core of the core curriculum” (Pope St John Paul II). It has a central role in fulfilling our school mission statement which reflects the teaching of Jesus in John 10:10, ‘I have come so that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ RE promotes a holistic education, shaping the spiritual, moral, and intellectual development of every learner, and guiding them to explore life’s big questions in the light of faith.

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Religious Education at Bishop Vaughan School is given 10% of teaching time throughout key stages 3, 4 and 5, in line with the Bishop’s memorandum. 5% of teaching time is allocated to the General RE sessions in the Sixth Form.

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KEY STAGE 3 SUMMARY

 

At Key Stage 3, students follow the Religious Education Directory (RED), a national framework that provides a rich and challenging curriculum rooted in Catholic theology. Through engaging lessons, learners encounter Scripture, learn about the Sacraments, study Church teaching, and reflect on the life and mission of Jesus. The RED encourages learners to think deeply, ask questions, and make meaningful connections between faith and life.

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Year 7 explore topics such as Creation and Covenant, Prophecy and Promise, the Bible, Prayer, and Hinduism. They also receive an initial induction into the life of a Catholic school.

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Year 8 explore topics such as Baptism, Parables and Miracles, The Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Judaism.

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Year 9 explore topics such as Evil and Suffering, Forgiveness, Religion and Science, Islam, Pilgrimage, and non-religious perspectives.

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KEY STAGE 4 SUMMARY

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At Key Stage 4, all students study the WJEC specification for GCSE Religious Studies: Catholic Theology and Judaism. This allows learners to explore Catholic Christianity, Judaism and non-religious perspectives, alongside ethical and philosophical worldviews. The course provides a rigorous academic foundation while encouraging learners to articulate their beliefs with clarity and respect for others. A very small number of students are offered the Pathways qualification.

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POST-16 SUMMARY

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At Key Stage 5, we offer the WJEC AS and A Level in Religious Studies, allowing students to engage critically with philosophy, ethics, and theology. This course challenges our learners to develop independent thinking and an informed perspective on complex moral and religious issues. Alongside this, all sixth form students take part in General RE, a programme of reflection, discussion and enquiry designed to support ongoing faith development and engagement with the wider world.

 

Through Religious Education, we aim to deepen understanding while also inspiring compassion and faith. We seek to develop ethical, spiritually aware individuals who think critically and live with integrity. Our dedicated team of RE teachers is committed to fostering an environment where faith can be explored openly, respectfully and with academic integrity.​​​