Introduction
At Broughton Hall, Religious Education isn't just another subject-it's the beating heart of everything we do. As "the core of the core curriculum," our comprehensive RE programme shapes confident, compassionate young women who are equipped to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Our Vision: Three Years, Three Virtues, One Journey
Year 7: UNDERSTANDING - Foundations of Faith
"In the Beginning" - Students discover the fundamental truths of Catholic teaching, exploring Creation, Covenant, and the hope found in Christ.
Year 8: DISCERNING - Formation in Hope
"The Word Made Flesh" - Young people deepen their understanding through Jesus' ministry, the Paschal Mystery, and life in the Spirit.
Year 9: RESPONDING - Called to Love
"Witnesses to Truth" - Students embrace their calling as agents of mercy, exploring martyrdom, social teaching, and their personal vocation.
Curriculum at a Glance
- 270 comprehensive lessons across three years
- 100% compliance with the Religious Education Curriculum Directory
- 43.5% Scripture focus (exceeding national requirements)
- 18 assessments per year supporting individual growth
- Expert teaching combining faith and reason in every lesson
Excellence in Every Element
Academic Rigour
- 270 comprehensive lessons across three years
- 100% compliance with the Religious Education Curriculum Directory
- 43.5% Scripture focus (exceeding national requirements)
- Expert teaching combining faith and reason in every lesson
Catholic Life & Mission Our students don't just learn about faith-they live it. Through our outstanding chaplaincy provision, extensive service opportunities, and integrated Mercy Values, every young woman discovers her unique calling to serve God and neighbour.
Spiritual Formation From contemplative prayer to vibrant liturgies, our students experience the full richness of Catholic worship. They take leadership roles in faith life and develop a personal relationship with Christ that will sustain them throughout life.
Transformational Outcomes Our students graduate as:
- Confident Catholics who can articulate and defend their faith
- Critical thinkers who engage thoughtfully with contemporary challenges
- Compassionate leaders committed to justice and mercy
- Lifelong learners equipped for further study and adult discipleship
Recognition & Results
- Outstanding Catholic inspection outcomes
- 100% RED Directory compliance
- Award-winning chaplaincy programmes
- National recognition for innovative Catholic education
The Broughton Difference
Where Mercy Meets Excellence
Our unique approach integrates
10 Mercy Values throughout every lesson: Knowledge, Compassion, Respect, Justice, Courage, Faith, Hope, Stewardship, Healing, and Spirituality.
Expert Teaching
Our passionate, specialist teachers bring together deep subject knowledge, pedagogical expertise, and authentic witness to Catholic life.
Outstanding Provision
Purpose-built facilities, cutting-edge resources, and innovative programmes ensure every student receives the finest Catholic education.
Global Perspective
From local service projects to international partnerships, our students understand their role as Catholic citizens of the world.
Call to Action
"Religious Education enables pupils to know, understand and appreciate the richness of our Catholic faith... It gives them the opportunity to reflect spiritually, think ethically and theologically."
- Religious Education Curriculum Directory
Discover how your daughter can thrive in our exceptional Religious Education programme. From foundation to flourishing faith, every young woman's journey at Broughton Hall is shaped by mercy, guided by excellence, and inspired by the transforming love of Christ.
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
Programme of Study KS3
Key Stage 3 at Broughton Hall provides the essential foundation for lifelong Catholic discipleship. Through 270 carefully structured lessons and our innovative BRIDGE programme, students embark on a three-year journey of faith formation, moving from Understanding to Discerning to Responding with the heart of mercy.
Our Three-Year Journey: A Clear Progression
The Mercy Formation Model
| Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
| UNDERSTANDING |
DISCERNING |
RESPONDING |
| Foundations of Faith |
Formation in Hope |
Called to Love |
| Building Knowledge |
Developing Relationship |
Living Discipleship |
| Discovering Catholic teaching and Scripture |
Encountering Christ personally |
Embracing mission and service |
Curriculum Structure Overview
Comprehensive Framework
Transformational Outcomes Our students graduate as:
- 90 lessons per year (3 lessons per week including BRIDGE)
- 3 units per year following the Church's liturgical rhythm
- 30 lessons per unit with progressive skill development
- Continuous assessment supporting individual growth
- 43.5% Scripture coverage exceeding national requirements
Weekly Pattern
- 2 core RE lessons focusing on curriculum content
- 1 BRIDGE session connecting learning to lived discipleship
- Integrated approach linking classroom learning with practical faith formation
YEAR 7: UNDERSTANDING - Foundations of Faith
"In the Beginning - Where Faith Takes Root"
| Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
| Unit 1: In the Beginning |
Unit 2: A People Who Hope |
Unit 3: The Living Word |
| Creation & Covenant |
Prophecy & Promise |
Discipleship |
| Foundations of Faith |
Patterns of Hope |
Jesus' Ministry |
| Human Dignity |
Leaders & Prophets |
Signs of Hope |
| Covenant Relationship |
Promise Fulfilled |
Living Faith |
Key Learning: Students discover fundamental Catholic teachings, explore their dignity as daughters of God, and understand God's faithful love throughout salvation history.
YEAR 8: DISCERNING - Formation in Hope
"The Word Made Flesh - Growing in Wisdom"
| Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
| Unit 4: The Word Made Flesh |
Unit 5: From Cross to Crown |
Unit 6: With Hearts on Fire |
| Galilee to Jerusalem |
Desert to Garden |
Pentecost & Church |
| Jesus Reveals |
Lenten Journey |
Life in Spirit |
| Kingdom of God |
Passion & Death |
Catholic Life |
| Conflict & Discipleship |
Resurrection |
Mission |
Key Learning: Students encounter Jesus personally through His ministry, death, and resurrection, whilst learning to discern God's call in their own lives.
YEAR 9: RESPONDING - Called to Love
"Witnesses to Truth - Living the Mission"
| Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
| Unit 7: Witnesses to Truth |
Unit 8: Agents of Mercy |
Unit 9: Called to Greatness |
| Martyrdom & Witness |
Catholic Social Teaching |
Vocation & Life Choices |
| Ultimate Witness |
Foundations |
Call to Holiness |
| Contemporary |
Contemporary |
States of Life |
| Living Witnesses |
Living Justice |
Future Discipleship |
Key Learning: Students embrace their calling as witnesses to truth, agents of mercy, and future leaders prepared for adult Catholic life.
BRIDGE Programme Integration
Building Relationships, Identity & Disciples through Gospel Experience
"BRIDGE bridges character with curriculum, learning with living, values with vocation."
Each year group explores specific BRIDGE themes aligned with the liturgical calendar:
Year 7 BRIDGE Focus:
- Resilience - Growing strong foundations of faith
- Patience - Learning to trust God's timing and plan
- Identity - Understanding our dignity as daughters of God
Programme of Study KS4
Head of Department: Mrs J. Spike
Contact email address: spikej@broughtonhall.com
Specification: EDUQAS
Qualification: GCSE
At key stage 4, in years 10 and 11 all students continue to follow Eduqas Route B (Catholic Christianity and Judaism.) Students are graded 1-9. A final examination consisting of 3 exam papers takes place at the end of year 11.
How is the course structured & assessed?
Foundational Catholic Theology: 37.5% Exam: 1½ hours, 90marks
Applied Catholic Theology: 37.5% Exam: 1½ hours, 90marks
Judaism: 25% Exam: 1 hour, 60marks
FOUNDATIONAL CATHOLIC THEOLOGY
Theme 1: Origins and Meaning
Introduction - 1 week
Origins and Meaning - 4 weeks
Beliefs on Creation - 2 weeks
FOUNDATIONAL CATHOLIC THEOLOGY
Theme 1: Origins and Meaning (continued)
The Bible - 1 week
Forms of expression in painting - 1 week
Forms of expression and symbolism - 1 week
Practices: CST, CAFOD, SVP - 2 weeks
FOUNDATIONAL CATHOLIC THEOLOGY
Theme 2: Good and Evil
Introduction - 1 week
Good, evil and suffering - 3 weeks
Trinity - 1½ weeks
Incarnation - 1½ weeks
FOUNDATIONAL CATHOLIC THEOLOGY
Theme 2: Good and Evil (continued)
Jesus and Moral Authority - 2 weeks
Sculpture and Statuary - 1½ weeks
Practices: pilgrimage, Lourdes, piety - 2 weeks
JUDAISM
Beliefs and Teachings
The Nature of God - 1½ weeks
Messiah (Mashiach) - 1 week
Covenant - 1½ weeks
Life on Earth - 1 week
The afterlife - 1 week
JUDAISM
Practices
Worship in Britain and elsewhere - 1 week
The Synagogue & Daily Life - 1½ week
Rituals - 2 weeks
Festivals - 2 weeks
APPLIED CATHOLIC THEOLOGY
Theme 3: Life and Death
Introduction - 1 week
Death and the Afterlife - 2½ weeks
Eschatology - 1½ weeks
The Magisterium - 2 weeks
APPLIED CATHOLIC THEOLOGY
Theme 3: Life and Death
Artefacts - 1½ weeks
Music and the funeral rite - 1 week
Practices: Prayer in Catholic communities - 2 Weeks
APPLIED CATHOLIC THEOLOGY
Theme 4: Sin and Forgiveness
Crime and Punishment - 1½ weeks
Forgiveness - 1 week
Practices: - 2
week
Programme of Study KS5
Key Information
Level: A Level
Examination Board: EDUQAS
Subject Leader: Mrs Spike
Entry Requirements
English Grade 6
Religious Studies Grade 6
Why Choose this course?
An A Level in Religious Studies will encourage learners to:
develop their interest in a rigorous study of religion and belief and relate it to the wider world
develop knowledge and understanding appropriate to a specialist study of religion
develop an understanding and appreciation of religious thought and its contribution to individuals, communities and societies
adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion
reflect on and develop their own values, opinions and attitudes in the light of their study
have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to contemporary issues, giving a greater understanding of the world around them
feel inspired and motivated, while challenging and developing their perceptions of different world religions
respond critically and engage with a wealth of philosophical, ethical and religious concepts, equipping them with analytical skills readily transferable to other subjects.
Prospects
It is an A level that opens up many opportunities for a wide range of careers. You may wish to go into a career in law, medicine, or politics for example.
Course Content
Learners must study all three components.
Component 1: A Study of Judaism (option C)
Written examination: 2 hours 33% of qualification
Learners will be expected to answer one question from Section A out of a choice of two and one question from Section B out of a choice of three in this component. Questions can be taken from any area of the specification.
Component 2: Philosophy of Religion.
Written examination: 2 hours 33% of qualification.
There will be four themes within this component: arguments for the existence of God; challenges to religious belief; religious experience; religious language. Learners will be expected to answer one question from Section A out of a choice of two and one question from Section B out of a choice of three in this component. Questions can be taken from any area of the specification.
Component 3: Religion and Ethics.
Written examination: 2 hours 33% of qualification
There will be four themes within this component: ethical thought; deontological ethics; teleological ethics; determinism and free will. Learners will be expected to answer one question from Section A out of a choice of two and one question from Section B out of a choice of three in this component. Questions can be taken from any area of the specification.
Course Opportunities/ Activities
Opportunity to visit Rome and Pompeii at end of year 12/13 (after examinations).
Support and Challenge
The RE department support students by giving each student at the beginning of the year a folder, exercise book as well as a copy of the course outline and marking scheme. All lesson PowerPoints and additional reading are sent via Teams each half term. Students are available to contact Mrs Spike via Teams for additional support. Revision materials including course booklets are given to all students. Students are given differentiated presentation tasks to challenge them as well as extensive academic reading material.
Student Comment
I chose philosophy because I loved RE gcse, the step between GCSE and A level is that now it is a lot more realistic and interesting
I chose to study Religious Studies because it's a subject that is really enjoyable and makes you eager to learn more. Religious Studies makes you question everything and makes you want to know more.
