Religious Studies Curriculum Statement – Hopescourt School 

Curriculum Intent 

At Hopescourt School, our Religious Studies curriculum is designed to provoke thought, deepen understanding, and empower students to explore belief systems through inclusive, autism-informed learning. Rooted in our ethos of Pause, Breathe, Think, Flourish, and guided by the Cornerstones of Learning with Courage, Thrive through Ambition, and Preparation for Adulthood, Religious Studies becomes a framework through which students examine identity, values, and the human experience. We aim to create a safe, structured, and stimulating environment where every learner can develop: 

Learning with Courage – Engage with complex moral and philosophical questions across faiths and worldviews. Students learn to reflect on their own beliefs, respect difference, and explore ethical dilemmas with emotional safety. 

Thriving through Ambition – Develop reasoning, debate, and evaluative skills to support academic success and personal growth. Pupils build confidence in expressing ideas, analysing texts, and understanding diverse traditions. 

Becoming Future Ready – Apply religious and ethical understanding to real-world contexts. Students explore themes of justice, equality, and community, preparing them to make informed choices and contribute positively to society. 

Our curriculum is sequenced to support long-term retention and mastery, with adaptive teaching strategies that remove barriers and promote readiness. We recognise the unique profiles of our learners and ensure that Religious Studies is accessible, ambitious, and autism-informed, supporting both academic growth and personal development. Religious Studies at Hopescourt is not about preaching or persuasion. It’s about equipping students to think critically, engage respectfully, and navigate a complex world with integrity and insight. 

The citizenship curriculum at Hopescourt School will help to provide pupils with the knowledge, skills and understanding to play a full and active part in society. Considering the importance of fostering pupil's keen awareness and understanding of democracy, government and how laws are made and upheld. Teaching will equip pupils with the skills and knowledge to explore political and social issues critically, to weigh evidence, debate and make reasoned arguments. It will prepare students to take their place in society as responsible citizens, manage money and make sound financial decisions. The currliculum will be delivered during PSHE lessons, through drop down days and also via trips and visits for example a trip to the House of Commons.