"An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge."

Proverbs 18:15

Religious Education at Derby Cathedral School

Religious Education as a Core Subject

At Derby Cathedral School, Religious Education is recognised as a core subject, reflecting our identity as the only Church of England secondary school in the Diocese of Derby. All students from Years 7-13 study RE, demonstrating our commitment to spiritual development and understanding of diverse faith communities.

Our RE curriculum meets all requirements of the Church of England's Statement of Entitlement and follows the locally agreed syllabus, ensuring comprehensive coverage of Christian teachings alongside major world faiths.

Key Statistics:

  • 5% of KS3 curriculum time dedicated to RE
  • 100% of students study RE throughout their school career
  • 3 specialist RE teachers deliver high-quality lessons

Curriculum Structure

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

Students receive three lessons per fortnight, exploring foundational concepts through engaging units including:

  • Year 7: Understanding Christianity and Islam case studies
  • Year 8: The life and teachings of Jesus using 'Understanding Christianity' resources
  • Year 9: Relationships through a Christian lens and Holocaust education

Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)

All students study AQA GCSE Short Course Religious Studies with weekly lessons, focusing on Christian beliefs and practices alongside comparative study with Judaism. Students can also opt for the full GCSE course.

Key Stage 5 (Years 12-13)

Our Sixth Form offers A-level Philosophy and Ethics alongside core RE for all students, providing advanced theological and philosophical study.

Assessment and Support:

  • Regular assessments aligned with GCSE question structures
  • Fortnightly homework at KS3, weekly at KS4
  • Strong focus on developing extended writing skills using structured frameworks
  • Cross-curricular links with History and PSHE departments

Balanced and Inclusive Approach

Our RE curriculum dedicates two-thirds of study time to Christian teachings whilst ensuring comprehensive coverage of other major world faiths. This reflects our Christian foundation while preparing students to live and work in our diverse society.

Students explore challenging questions about belief, meaning, and values through respectful dialogue and critical thinking. Our approach encourages independent thought whilst fostering understanding of how faith shapes individual and community life.

Key Learning Experiences:

  • Visits from faith community representatives to share lived experiences
  • Annual Holocaust survivor testimonies for Year 9 students
  • Cathedral visits to explore sacred space and community work
  • Interfaith workshops with local religious communities including Sikh and Islamic dress workshops
  • A-level conference attendance for Sixth Form students
  • Cross-curricular projects on themes such as the Holocaust and key figures like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King

Excellence Through Partnership

Our RE department actively participates in professional networks that enhance the quality of our provision:

  • NATRE membership - keeping current with national developments through termly magazines and online forums
  • Holocaust Educational Trust - ensuring authentic and sensitive Holocaust education with up-to-date pedagogy and resources
  • Birmingham University RE PGCE department - supporting teacher training and providing moderation opportunities
  • Exam board partnerships - accessing latest assessment guidance and results analysis
  • Local school networks including Swanwick Hall - sharing best practice and collaborative moderation

These partnerships ensure our students receive the most current and effective RE education, with opportunities for meaningful encounters with diverse faith communities and expert practitioners.

Special Programmes and Enrichment

Lessons from Auschwitz Project: Year 12 students participate in this prestigious programme, visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau and sharing their experiences with the wider school community through lessons and collective worship.

Faith Community Engagement: Regular visits from Judaism specialists, Islamic and Sikh workshop leaders, and other faith representatives provide authentic encounters with diverse beliefs and practices.

Cross-Curricular Development: Strong collaboration with History on Holocaust education and civil rights movements, and with PSHE on themes of anti-racism and equality.

Supporting All Learners

Our RE provision is designed to support students of all backgrounds and abilities:

  • Specialist support for SEND students with targeted strategies
  • Scaffolding and paired discussion activities to support extended writing
  • Key vocabulary focus to develop academic language
  • Self-assessment opportunities to promote independent learning
  • Regular moderation to ensure accurate assessment and feedback

Discover More

Religious Education at Derby Cathedral School offers students the opportunity to explore life's biggest questions in a supportive, academically rigorous environment. Our curriculum develops critical thinking, empathy, and cultural understanding essential for modern citizenship.

For detailed information about our RE curriculum, including specific curriculum plans, assessment criteria, and learning resources, please visit our RE Subject Page.