RE - Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Voluntary Academy

Religious Education

Curriculum Intent

The RE curriculum at BRS is an ambitious exploration of Catholic theology and doctrine, Church history, ethics, and philosophy. As a department we want to give you a foundational knowledge of your faith that you can apply to the modern world so that you can speak confidently and evangelically as missionary disciples. You will develop skills that will allow you to think critically, analyse, interpret, reflect and discern.

Through our curriculum, we prepare our young people to make a positive contribution in a diverse world, while respecting the beliefs and values of those they share it with.

RE will teach Spiritual Excellence by:

Religious Education promotes spiritual development by providing opportunities for pupils to reflect on their own beliefs, values, and sense of identity. Through the study of theology, philosophy, and ethics, students engage with ultimate questions about meaning, purpose, existence, and the nature of religious commitment in the contemporary world.

The curriculum encourages pupils to develop thoughtful and informed personal values, while fostering curiosity, reflection, and openness to different perspectives. Students are supported in making connections between their learning and their own experiences, enabling them to deepen their understanding of themselves, others, and the world around them.

RE will teach Social Excellence by:

Religious Education promotes social excellence by fostering respect, empathy, and understanding of religious and non-religious worldviews. Through engaging with diverse beliefs and experiences, pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudice, discrimination, and stereotyping, becoming informed and responsible members of society.

The curriculum supports pupils in recognising their inherent dignity and self-worth, reflecting on their unique identity, expressing their thoughts and emotions with confidence, and developing positive and respectful relationships with others. Students are encouraged to apply these values beyond the classroom, making a positive contribution to their communities and wider society.

Through the study of Catholic Social Teaching, pupils develop an understanding of how the Church calls Catholics to put faith into action, promoting justice, solidarity, human dignity, and the common good. We aim for students to be inspired to live out these principles in their everyday lives and as active citizens.

RE will teach Academic Excellence by:

Religious Education promotes academic excellence through rigorous disciplinary study and the development of theological literacy. Pupils gain a secure understanding and appreciation of both religious and non-religious worldviews, while engaging critically with beliefs, teachings, practices, and sources of wisdom and authority. These include sacred scripture, documents from ecumenical councils, papal encyclicals, and the writings of influential theologians.

Teaching develops pupils’ substantive knowledge alongside the analytical and evaluative skills required for success in the subject. Students learn to construct well-argued, well-informed, balanced, and structured written responses that demonstrate depth and breadth of understanding. Through this process, we aim for all pupils to become theologically literate and confident in engaging with complex religious and philosophical ideas.