Welcome to the Religious Studies Department

Religious Studies (RS) at Poole High School offers a rich and thought-provoking curriculum that encourages students to explore global beliefs, ethical theories, and philosophical questions. Our program is designed to develop critical thinking, empathy, and an understanding of diverse perspectives—skills that are essential in today’s interconnected world.

Departmental Courses

  • GCSE Religious Studies  (AQA)
  • GCE Religious Studies  (AQA)

Year 7: Global Perspectives on Faith

In Year 7, students develop a global perspective on religion by exploring how different cultures express their beliefs through worship, dress, and food. They examine Western and Eastern understandings of salvation and the afterlife, and how belief informs practice. The emphasis is on similarities between faiths, helping students appreciate common values and preparing them for respectful engagement in a diverse society.

Year 8: Philosophy and Ethics

Year 8 begins with philosophical inquiry, including Plato’s ideas on existence and reality. Students explore classical arguments for the existence of a higher power—cosmological, theological, and ontological and contrast these with atheism and Humanism. They also begin studying ethical theories, applying them to real-world issues such as abortion and euthanasia. Later in the year, students examine crime and punishment, the justice system, and beliefs around corporal and capital punishment.

Years 9 & 10: GCSE Religious Studies – Exam board AQA

Students begin their GCSE studies in Year 9 as part of Poole High’s wider strategy to prepare them for future exams. This early start provides valuable experience and builds confidence for Year 11.

Component 1: The Study of Religions

Students study Christianity and Islam, focusing on core beliefs, sources of authority, worship practices, festivals, and the impact of religion on individuals and communities.

Component 2: Thematic Studies

Students explore four ethical and philosophical themes from both religious and non-religious perspectives:

1. Relationships and Families – marriage, divorce, gender roles, sexuality, parenting
2. Religion, Peace and Conflict – war, pacifism, forgiveness, terrorism, peace-making
3. Religion, Crime and Punishment – causes of crime, aims of punishment, justice, capital punishment
4. Religion, Human Rights and Social Justice – equality, freedom of religion, racial prejudice, wealth and poverty

OCR A-Level Religious Studies


At A-Level, students follow the OCR specification, which includes three components:

1. Philosophy of Religion

Explores classical and modern arguments for and against the existence of God, religious experience, the problem of evil, and the nature of soul, mind, and body.

2. Religion and Ethics

Covers ethical theories such as Natural Law, Kantian Ethics, and Utilitarianism, applied to issues like euthanasia, business ethics, and sexual ethics.

3. Developments in Christian Thought

Investigates themes in Christian theology including human nature, the role of Jesus, and religion’s relationship with society.

  • Key Features of the OCR Specification
  • Clear, well-defined content with strong supporting materials
  • Co-teachable with AS Level
  • Engagement with contemporary issues
  • Emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills

Career Pathways

RS students often pursue careers where people skills and ethical awareness are essential:

  • Law, Banking & Finance, Human Resources, Civil Service, Teaching, Journalism, Charity work, Counselling, Marketing, Corporate Social Responsibility and more. 

Did you know RS Works for Banking & Finance

  • Understanding people aids in client relations, negotiation, and leadership
  • Ethical reasoning is valued in sustainable finance and corporate governance
  • RS students are trained to evaluate complex issues—vital for strategic planning