Citizenship & Religious Education (CRE)
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”
– Aristotle
Religious Studies is the investigation of human, faith and social development through time.
CRE – Citizenship Religious Education is the investigation of human faith, belief, identity and social development through time. It enables students to examine, deliberate and articulate why beliefs, values and societies are the way they are, how they have developed historically, and why they continue to change. Through the study of history, anthropology and society, students explore how religion, culture and citizenship are interconnected, and how beliefs influence communities, laws, moral decision-making and social responsibility within British and global contexts.
CRE equips students with the knowledge, wisdom and passion needed to educate both the mind and the heart. Students are encouraged to engage in respectful dialogue, democratic debate and critical thinking, developing an understanding of the rule of law, justice and fairness. The curriculum promotes individual liberty by allowing students to explore and express their own beliefs and values while fostering mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths, cultures and worldviews. Through the study of philosophy, ethics, art and religion, students develop empathy, resilience and the skills needed to face challenges both in education and later life.
Students will study a wide range of topics, from exploring the Western world and British society to examining historical and contemporary religious, ethical and social challenges faced by individuals and communities. They will learn how to live safely and responsibly in the modern world, particularly in relation to relationships, equality and human rights, while developing a secure sense of identity and belonging. CRE supports community cohesion by helping students understand shared values, responsibilities and the importance of participation in society.
Students will explore the main world religions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and Sikhism, while also addressing the ‘big questions’ of life such as who created the world, why suffering exists, and what it means to live a meaningful and purposeful life. Our CRE curriculum educates both the heart and the mind, enabling students to flourish academically, engage positively with democracy, uphold the rule of law, exercise individual liberty, and demonstrate mutual respect and tolerance as active and responsible citizens in a diverse British society and beyond.
