Curriculum Intent 

At Nottingham Academy, our Religious Education (RE) curriculum aims to ensure that pupils know about, understand and learn from a range of religions and world views. They will be encouraged to express their own ideas and insights on significant human questions addressed by religions, deploying the skills necessary to study religion effectively.

RE at Nottingham Academy provokes challenging questions about human life, beliefs, communities, and ideas. Pupils learn from religions and world views about diverse ways of life in local, national, and global contexts. They will discover, explore, and consider various answers to questions about human identity, meaning, and value.

Students learn to appreciate the wisdom from different communities, disagree respectfully, and respond thoughtfully to religions and world views, expressing insights into their own and others’ lives. They are encouraged to think rigorously, creatively, imaginatively, and respectfully about their ideas in relation to religions and world views.

Our curriculum aims to foster an environment where students can discuss and explore their beliefs and those of others, promoting mutual respect and understanding. Through this, they will develop critical thinking skills and the ability to engage with complex ideas thoughtfully and respectfully.

Adaptations for students with SEND needs include differentiated instruction and resources tailored to diverse learning requirements. We use visual aids, interactive activities, and technology to support understanding and engagement. Regular assessments and personalised feedback are integral to our approach, ensuring all students know more, remember more, and do more. By focusing on these principles, we aim to ensure every student can excel and thrive in Religious Education, gaining more knowledge, retaining it effectively, and applying it confidently.

Our ultimate goal is to inspire students to become informed, respectful, and thoughtful individuals who can engage meaningfully with the diverse beliefs and values in our world.

 

Non-Examined Religious Education: A Statutory Curriculum Requirement

At Nottingham Academy, we believe that every child and young person is entitled to a religious education that is both academically rigorous and personally enriching. To support this vision, we continue to provide high-quality, non-examined Religious Education (RE) to all students across every key stage—regardless of whether they choose to pursue RE as a GCSE or A Level subject.

At Key Stage 4, pupils explore key ethical issues, including how individuals make moral decisions, concepts of fairness and justice, and the role of the prison system in society. At Key Stage 5, all students study two further thought-provoking units. The first examines the challenge that evil and suffering pose to religious belief, while the second considers the value of life—both human and animal—within a religious framework.

In addition to the formal curriculum, we enrich students' understanding through assemblies, guest speakers and tutor lessons that mark significant religious festivals and observances. We also celebrate the links between religion, culture, and identity through whole-school events such as Culture Day, helping students appreciate the diversity of beliefs and traditions within our school community and beyond.

Key Contacts

For further information about Religious Education please contact:

Parental Right to Withdraw from Religious Education (RE)

We respect the rights of parents and carers regarding their child’s education. Under current legislation, parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education (RE) lessons. This includes activities related to Religious Education that do not form part of the statutory National Curriculum.

If you wish to exercise this right, we ask that you inform the school in writing, detailing whether you are withdrawing your child from all or specific parts of the RE curriculum. We are happy to discuss any concerns you may have and provide further information to help you make an informed decision.