Religions, Philosophy & Ethics

Curriculum Intent

 At The Eastbourne Academy, Religions, Philosophy & Ethics (RE) is an important
subject in our curriculum, reflecting our values of curiosity, ambition, respect, and
engagement. Our curriculum intent for Religions, Philosophy & Ethics is to enable
our students to develop cultural capital by understanding and interpreting religious
issues, which are frequently discussed in the news.

Through Religions, Philosophy & Ethics, our students learn to evaluate the
significance of diverse beliefs and opinions, promoting personal development and an
understanding of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural questions. This subject
challenges stereotypes, promotes cohesion, and tackles extremism, helping our
students to value themselves and the communities they live in.

By entering into a rich discourse about religious and non-religious traditions,
Religions, Philosophy & Ethics enables our students to take their place in a diverse
multi-religious and multi-secular society. It is intellectually challenging and personally
enriching, providing our students with the opportunity to make sense of their own
place in the world.

Schools have a statutory responsibility to deliver Religious Education (RE) to all
students, and therefore it is a necessary part of a broad and balanced curriculum
and must be provided for all registered students in state-funded schools in England. ​We are proud to teach inclusive and plural Religions, Philosophy & Ethics education, following the Kent Agreed Syllabus, to all our students, and to respect and affirm all the religions and worldviews represented in our community. Religious Education is a statutory subject, therefore we do not support selective withdrawals from Religions, Philosophy & Ethics. We are happy to talk to parents about the curriculum and its content, including the right to withdraw. If you wish to discuss your child's Religious Education provision, please contact the Curriculum Leader. 

In Key Stage 3, students study Religions, Philosophy & Ethics for 1 hour per week
and follow the Kent Agreed Syllabus.

In Key Stage 4, students study Core Religions, Philosophy & Ethics for 1 hour per
week. Students follow the AQA GCSE Short Course for Religious Studies and at the
end of Year 11 they have the opportunity to gain a Short Course GCSE Religious
Studies qualification.

In Key Stage 4, Religions, Philosophy & Ethics is also offered as a full course option
subject. Students follow the AQA GCSE Full Course for Religious Studies and at the
end of Year 11 they have the opportunity to gain a Full Course GCSE Religious
Studies qualification.

Enrichment Opportunities

Trips to local places of worship are offered at KS3 whilst trips in KS4 include a
Buddhist temple and synagogue, ‘behind the scenes’ at a crematorium, the Hastings
True Crime Museum and a trip to Krakow, Poland.