Intent

The Religious Studies curriculum at Preston Muslim Girls’ High School prepares our pupils to take their place in a diverse and multi-faith society as ambassadors for the Islamic community who have a strong sense of the values of their own faith, while maintaining a strong respect for the beliefs and choices of others. RE lessons at PMGHS engage our pupils in a rich discourse about the religious and non-religious traditions that have shaped this country and the world beyond.

All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering pupils’ understanding of universal concepts. In particular, our Religious Studies, Spirituality and PSHE Curriculum develop and deepen pupils’ faith and character education, as well as social, moral, spiritual and cultural education so that pupils are fully prepared for life beyond school as responsible citizens in Modern Britain.

We provide an academic RE curriculum that enables and encourages pupils to hold balanced and informed conversations about religion and worldviews.

The content is driven by the National Curriculum and sequenced and structured to suit the needs of our learners; identifying gaps that pupils may have in their learning and addressing these. Our curriculum also builds challenge through application, mastery and problem-solving; linking these to broader concepts and equipping pupils with a wealth of knowledge to go beyond exam success.

Implementation

In KS3-pupils have 50 minutes lesson per week of RE.

The 6 main religions are taught in Year 7, 8 and 9.

In KS4- pupils have two 50minutes lesson per week. These lessons are delivered by specialist RS teachers. RS is a compulsory GCSE for all girls and we focus on AQA Islam and Christianity.

All pupils, including those with SEND, experience the full RE curriculum, with additional support and adaptation where needed, to enable them to achieve their very best. Pupils with SEND might be supported through the use of word banks, writing frames, scaffolding of tasks into small steps and through one-to-one support from a learning support assistant.

Impact

Religious Studies has been both a popular and successful GCSE at Preston Muslim Girls High School. Outcomes in RS have historically been excellent and well above national averages.

RS results at PMGHS continue to be considerably higher than national and local averages. Many pupils enjoy the GCSE course and go on to study it at A Level. Coming from a faith background the girls explore the similarities and differences with other monotheistic/polytheistic religions and become tolerant and respectful. The quality of class discussion, reflection, critical thinking and respectful dialogue in all lessons make them competent and confident members of society.