Religious Studies

Sequencing Rationale

The sequence moves from specific religions (Judaism and Buddhism in the first half of each term) to broader concepts (creation stories, festivals, religious leaders in the second half of each half term) to provide a scaffolded understanding. Contrasts between monotheistic and non-theistic beliefs are explored, promoting critical thinking and a holistic view of world religions. The progression from specific beliefs to broader themes helps students connect individual practices to larger cultural and religious contexts. The sequencing culminates with a comparative study of religious leaders, encouraging students to reflect on the roles and influences of key figures in various faiths.

Alignment of year 8 topics with six areas of enquiry in KS3 Set by the Harrow Agreed Syllabus

Alignment of Year 8 Topics with Six Areas of Enquiry in Key Stage 3 set by the Harrow Agreed Syllabus:

The following are the six areas of enquiry (A-F):

A: Beliefs, teachings and sources of wisdom
B: Practices and ways of life - celebrations and commemorations, prayer, worship and reflection
C: Forms of expressing meaning, language and symbolism

Across Key Stage 3, pupils should be given opportunities to develop their understanding and skills with reference to:

D: Identity, diversity and belonging - places, communities, rites of passage
E: Meaning, purpose and truth - reflection and appreciation, ultimate questions
F: Human responsibility and values.

Programme of Study

Term	Half-term 1	Half-term 2
Autumn	Judaism	Creation Stories
Spring	Buddhism	Festivals
Summer	Hinduism	Religious leaders

Why do we follow this order?

The sequencing of the Scheme of Work (SoW) follows a logical progression that aligns with the Harrow Agreed Syllabus and SACRE guidance, ensuring a structured and inclusive approach to religious education.

We begin with Judaism as an introduction to monotheism, establishing foundational beliefs that influenced later Abrahamic faiths. Creation Stories then broaden students’ thinking about origins, linking religious narratives to philosophical and cultural discussions. Buddhism is introduced as a contrast to monotheistic traditions, encouraging students to explore diverse world-views. Festivals follow, allowing for an engaging, experiential study of religious practices. Hinduism is placed later to deepen our understanding of polytheism, symbolism, and philosophy.

Finally, Religious Leaders consolidate learning by examining figures who have shaped faith traditions, reinforcing themes of identity, diversity, and belonging. This structured approach ensures students develop a well-rounded understanding of religion, belief, and practice in line with SACRE’s emphasis on religious literacy and critical thinking.

Autumn Term Topics

Topic: Judaism
We start with Judaism as an introduction to monotheistic religions. We explore the basic beliefs, practices, and key figures in Judaism. We discuss the historical and cultural context of Judaism. Beliefs, teachings and sources of wisdom (A) This unit explores Jewish beliefs, key figures, and sacred texts, aligning with how religious traditions convey wisdom and teachings.

Topic: Judaism

We start with Judaism as an introduction to monotheistic religions. We explore the basic beliefs, practices, and key figures in Judaism. We discuss the historical and cultural context of Judaism.

Beliefs, teachings and sources of wisdom (A) This unit explores Jewish beliefs, key figures, and sacred texts, aligning with how religious traditions convey wisdom and teachings.

Topic: Creation Stories
Transition to the broader concept of creation stories across different religions. Compare and contrast creation narratives from various cultures, including the Judeo-Christian creation story. Encourage critical thinking about the significance of creation stories in shaping religious beliefs and cultural identities. Meaning, purpose and truth (E) This unit encourages reflection on ultimate questions about the origins of life, the universe, and different religious perspectives on creation.

Topic: Creation Stories

Transition to the broader concept of creation stories across different religions. Compare and contrast creation narratives from various cultures, including the Judeo-Christian creation story. Encourage critical thinking about the significance of creation stories in shaping religious beliefs and cultural identities.

Meaning, purpose and truth (E) This unit encourages reflection on ultimate questions about the origins of life, the universe, and different religious perspectives on creation.

Spring Term Topics

Topic: Buddhism
Introduce Buddhism as a contrasting example of a non-theistic religion. Explore the life of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) and the core principles of Buddhism. Discuss the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the concept of Nirvana. Beliefs, teachings and sources of wisdom (A) This unit focuses on the teachings of the Buddha, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, aligning with religious teachings and sources of wisdom.

Topic: Buddhism

Introduce Buddhism as a contrasting example of a non-theistic religion. Explore the life of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) and the core principles of Buddhism. Discuss the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the concept of Nirvana.

Beliefs, teachings and sources of wisdom (A) This unit focuses on the teachings of the Buddha, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, aligning with religious teachings and sources of wisdom.

Topic: Festivals
Shift the focus to the celebrations and rituals within different religions. Explore major festivals in Judaism and Buddhism, emphasising the cultural and religious significance of these events. Encourage students to appreciate the diversity of religious practices and celebrations. Practices and ways of life - celebrations and commemorations (B)This unit covers religious festivals and rituals, fitting into the study of worship, celebrations, and ways of life.

Topic: Festivals

Shift the focus to the celebrations and rituals within different religions. Explore major festivals in Judaism and Buddhism, emphasising the cultural and religious significance of these events. Encourage students to appreciate the diversity of religious practices and celebrations.

Practices and ways of life - celebrations and commemorations (B)This unit covers religious festivals and rituals, fitting into the study of worship, celebrations, and ways of life.

Summer Term Topics

Topic: Hinduism
Move on to Hinduism, introducing the concept of polytheism. Explore the pantheon of Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as key beliefs and practices. Discuss the role of karma, dharma, and moksha in Hindu philosophy. Forms of expressing meaning - language and symbolism (C) This unit introduces Hindu religious symbols, stories, and sacred language, reflecting how meaning is conveyed in religious traditions.

Topic: Hinduism

Move on to Hinduism, introducing the concept of polytheism. Explore the pantheon of Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as key beliefs and practices. Discuss the role of karma, dharma, and moksha in Hindu philosophy.

Forms of expressing meaning - language and symbolism (C) This unit introduces Hindu religious symbols, stories, and sacred language, reflecting how meaning is conveyed in religious traditions.

Topic: Religious Leaders

Conclude the learning journey by examining influential religious leaders across different faiths. Compare the roles of religious leaders in Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Highlight the impact of these leaders on the development and spread of their respective religions.

Identity, diversity and belonging (D) This unit explores the roles of religious leaders in shaping communities, guiding followers, and influencing religious identity.