RELIGIOUS STUDIES
“Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats the beauty and the youth.” – Chanakya
RELIGIOUS STUDIESHead of Department: Ms Rasmika Jones
Teachers: Mr. Michel Hood, Ms. Samy Goenka
Religious Studies (RS) is an engaging and vibrant subject that we aim for students to find both enjoyable and inspiring. We hope they are motivated and challenged by their RS lessons. Our goal is for students to nurture their intellectual curiosity with active, inquisitive minds, encouraging them to think, reflect, question, and discuss ideas related to meaning and purpose.
We also aim to help students deepen their knowledge and understanding of a variety of religious and non-religious perspectives they will encounter throughout their lives. They will explore the diverse nature of the study of religion, developing skills in analysis and evaluation to form thoughtful, personal responses to the complex issues of faith, ethics, and philosophy that we cover. Moreover, we strive to foster an appreciation for the nature of sacred texts and the different ways these texts can be interpreted and applied in everyday life within society.
Additionally, we hope that students will grow more conscious of spiritual, ethical, and philosophical issues beyond the classroom, in the broader context of society, to prepare them to be active, responsible members of their communities.
RS Curriculum at the Moonstone Academy
At Moonstone Academy, our goal is to provide students with a deep understanding of religious ideas, emotions, and actions. We focus on fostering respect for different religious views and promoting tolerance of others’ beliefs. We encourage a critical, analytical approach while inspiring students to develop thoughtful personal responses to questions of beliefs, values, and morality.
Our curriculum offers a broad and balanced study of world religions. In the first three years, students explore foundational themes, including monotheistic faiths (Judaism and Christianity in Year 8, Islam in Year 9), a panentheistic faith (Hinduism in Year 7), and Buddhism (Year 9). They also engage with philosophical questions (Symbolic language in Year 7, Philosophy in Year 9). In Years 10 and 11, students critically examine moral, social, and philosophical issues from both religious and non-religious perspectives.
While we study a variety of faiths, special emphasis is placed on Christianity due to its cultural significance in the UK. The curriculum is designed for continuity and progression, with Year 8 building on Year 7, and Year 9 introducing more complex philosophical concepts. In Years 10 and 11, the focus shifts to evaluating moral and social issues. Ultimately, students are encouraged to make their own decisions about truth and how to live, based on the knowledge and understanding they have gained.
Our teaching is neutral and objective, presenting all religious beliefs as truth-claims, not absolute truths, allowing students to form their own perspectives.
DESTINATIONS
Religious Studies is a popular A Level at Moonstone Academy, with many students going on to study Philosophy, Theology, or related degrees at university. Between 2017 and 2020, 27 students have pursued such courses.
Religious Studies A Level is a well-regarded qualification, recognized alongside other academic A Levels. As a result, former students have been accepted into a wide variety of university programs, with Religious Studies being an accepted qualification.
“At Moonstone Academy, we are dedicated to providing exceptional support to ensure our students have the opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive and reach their full potential, both academically and in the broader community.”