Beliefs, Philosophy & Ethics

Head of Department: Ms C Gray

The Religious Education (RE) curriculum at The Stanway School offers a captivating journey through diverse religions, ethical dilemmas, and philosophical concepts, designed to inspire critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the world around us. From Year 7, students explore fundamental religious concepts, delve into Christianity and Islam, and express their understanding through art. Year 8 expands on this by examining Buddhism and Sikhi, and showcasing how faith can drive social change. In Year 9, the focus shifts to ethics, philosophy, and the complexities of war.

For GCSE (Years 10 and 11), students can opt for Beliefs, Philosophy & Ethics (BPE) or continue with Core Religious Education. BPE deepens understanding of Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism, tackling topics like religion and science, environmental ethics, and crime and punishment. Core RE in Years 10 and 11 examines contemporary issues such as relationships, medical ethics, religion and equality, and the ethics of wealth and poverty. This comprehensive curriculum fosters open-mindedness, critical thinking, and a nuanced understanding of diverse worldviews, preparing students for informed engagement with societal issues and deeper personal reflection.

*Parents have the legal right to withdraw their child from all or part of the Religious Education (RE) provided at our school. If you wish to exercise this right, we ask that you inform the Head of School in writing (please email John.Player@Stanway.School). We respect the diverse beliefs and values of our families and will make suitable arrangements for your child during RE lessons, which may include supervised independent study or placement in another class. We are happy to discuss any concerns or provide further information regarding our RE curriculum upon request.

Email contact: STA-HeadOfRE@stanway.school