At Monkton Wood Academy, Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (RPE) helps students explore important questions about life, beliefs and the world around them. Students learn about a range of religions and non-religious viewpoints, while also developing their own ideas. The subject encourages respect, understanding and curiosity, helping young people to think carefully about different perspectives and make sense of the diverse society they live in.
In Key Stage 3, students begin by learning about influential religious leaders such as Moses, Jesus, Muhammad (pbuh), the Buddha and the Sikh Gurus. They explore the lessons from these figures and consider how their teachings continue to influence people today. As they move into Year 8, students develop a deeper understanding of beliefs and practices in religions including Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. They begin to think about why these beliefs matter and how they shape people’s lives. In Year 9, the focus shifts towards ethical issues, where students discuss questions such as how we make decisions, whether violence can ever be justified, and how people decide what is right and wrong.
At Key Stage 4, students follow the Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies course (Route A). They study Christianity and Islam in depth, learning about key beliefs, practices and how these religions influence individuals and communities today. Alongside this, students explore important ethical and philosophical issues such as relationships, life and death, good and evil, and human rights. They are encouraged to consider different viewpoints and develop well-reasoned arguments, preparing them for exams and for thinking about real-world issues.
Throughout the course, students build important skills such as critical thinking, discussion, evaluation and empathy. They learn how to express their ideas clearly, listen to others and respect different opinions. RPE supports students in becoming thoughtful, informed and open-minded individuals who are well prepared for life in modern Britain and beyond.
