Religious Studies at Gresham’s reflects the school’s values: character is our compass, curiosity is our engine, and critical thinking is our toolkit. Through the study of religion, philosophy and ethics, pupils are encouraged to explore the beliefs, values and questions that shape human experience.
Religious Studies helps pupils understand the context and culture of the world around them. Lessons are designed to encourage curiosity, thoughtful discussion and critical thinking, enabling pupils to engage respectfully with different beliefs, traditions and moral perspectives.
The curriculum is built around four progressive strands:
- Religious Knowledge – developing understanding of beliefs, practices, stories and traditions across world religions.
- Critical Thinking and Curiosity – asking thoughtful questions, interpreting texts and symbolism and exploring ethical issues.
- Personal Reflection – considering values, meaning and how beliefs influence people’s lives.
- Participation and Communication – discussing, debating and expressing ideas with confidence and respect.
Through studying religious figures, sacred texts and philosophical ideas, pupils develop the tools to navigate complex social and ethical questions. Topics are explored from multiple viewpoints, building secure knowledge while encouraging empathy, reflection and independent thought.
The curriculum develops progressively across the Prep School years and is enriched through visits, discussion and guest speakers. In Year 3, pupils explore Stories for Understanding from Different Faiths and visit the beautiful Gresham’s Senior Chapel to meet Rev Jack, learning more about the school’s history and the Christmas and Easter stories. In Year 4, pupils study Hinduism, Christmas and Easter, People of Extraordinary Faith and Humanism, developing understanding of faith, morality and identity.
In Year 5, pupils explore Judaism, Islam, Parables and Miracles, supported by visits to Norwich Synagogue and the Cambridge Eco Mosque. In Year 6, pupils study Buddhism, Sikhism and Big Questions, alongside visits to Buddhist temples which bring learning to life and deepen understanding through first-hand experience.
In Years 7 and 8, the emphasis shifts towards abstract ideas, symbolism and ethical debate. Pupils analyse key Biblical passages, explore philosophical theories such as Utilitarianism, interpret religious art and symbolism, and debate moral issues that challenge them to think critically and articulate reasoned viewpoints with maturity and respect. A Year 7 pilgrimage to Walsingham and guest speakers exploring the Science of Happiness further enrich pupils’ understanding of belief and human experience.
The broad and inclusive nature of Religious Studies ensures that all pupils can develop analytical, reflective and expressive skills through questioning, debate and reflection — growing not only in knowledge and understanding, but also in empathy, character and intellectual confidence.