Religious Education at Key Stage 3 forms the foundation of students’ theological understanding and supports the mission of the school as a Catholic community. The curriculum follows the vision of the Religious Education Directory (RED), which places Religious Education at the heart of the Catholic school curriculum and seeks to help students encounter the person of Jesus Christ, understand the teachings of the Church, and reflect on the meaning of faith in the modern world.
The RED emphasises that Religious Education should enable students to develop a deep knowledge of the Catholic tradition while also engaging thoughtfully with the beliefs of other religions and worldviews. Through this approach, students are encouraged to explore fundamental questions about belief, truth, morality and human purpose.
At St Bonaventure’s, the Key Stage 3 programme follows the Source and Summit course. These resources are designed specifically to support the aims of the Religious Education Directory. The course explores key themes in Catholic theology such as creation, covenant, salvation, the Church, and the sacraments, while helping students understand the role of scripture, tradition and Church teaching as sources of wisdom and authority. Students also learn about other faith traditions, encouraging respect, dialogue and understanding in a diverse society.
Assessment in Key Stage 3 is designed to develop both knowledge and critical thinking. Students complete a range of short knowledge tests to ensure they understand key teachings, scripture and theological vocabulary. Alongside this, students complete extended written responses and essays which develop their ability to explain religious beliefs, interpret sources of wisdom and authority, and evaluate different viewpoints.
Through this combination of knowledge recall and analytical writing, students develop the skills required by the Religious Education Directory: a strong understanding of the Catholic faith together with the ability to think critically about religious and moral questions. These skills prepare students for further study at GCSE Religious Studies and support their wider intellectual and spiritual development.
Year 7
- Term 1.1 – Creation and Covenant: What is the Creation Story?
- Term 1.2 – Prophecy and Promise: What is the Bible?
- Term 2.1 – From Galilee to Jerusalem: Who is Jesus?
- Term 2.2 – From Desert to Garden: What is the Eucharist?
- Term 3.1 – To the Ends of the Earth: How does the Holy Spirit guide the Church?
- Term 3.2 – Dialogue and Encounter – Hinduism
Year 8
- Term 1.1 – Creation and Covenant: What are the consequences of the Fall?
- Term 1.2 – Prophecy and Promise: Who are the Prophets?
- Term 2.1 – From Galilee to Jerusalem: What is the significance of Jesus’ ministry?
- Term 2.2 – From Desert to Garden: What do Christianity teach about suffering?
- Term 3.1 – To the Ends of the Earth: What is Eschatology and the Christian Hope?
- Term 3.2 – Dialogue and Encounter – Islam
Year 9
- Term 1.1 – Creation and Covenant: What does it mean to be human?
- Term 1.2 – Prophecy and Promise: What is the role of women in salvation history?
- Term 2.1 – From Galilee to Jerusalem: What does it mean to be a disciple?
- Term 2.2 – From Desert to Garden: What is redemption?
- Term 3.1 – To the Ends of the Earth: What is the Holy Catholic Apostolic Church?
- Term 3.2 – Dialogue and Encounter – Judaism