Religious Education (RE) is taught throughout the school from Foundation Year to GCSE.

In the Juniors, the subject is taught by the class teacher following the Badger RE syllabus. It gives the girls the opportunity to explore basic concepts in RE such as belief, awe, wonder, story, ritual, symbol and the supernatural. The lessons are a chance for the girls to discover that there are many different beliefs and that their peers may have different understandings of the world in which we live. They will also be introduced to the six major world religions and their beliefs and practices.

In the senior school, these concepts are explored in greater depth and are taught by specialist teachers. The syllabus in Years 7 - 9 is based on the National Framework for RE, which encourages students to learn both about religion and from religion. As well as learning more about the major religions, the girls learn about other belief systems and are asked to tackle some deep philosophical questions such as ‘What is truth?’ and ‘Why are people religious?’. They also consider: the role of authority and key figures; evil and suffering in the world; religion and conflict; prejudice and discrimination; and community. Throughout the course girls are encouraged to think about how these questions about life apply to them as individuals.

In Years 10 and 11 the girls follow the Edexcel GCSE courses on Religion and Life and Religion and Society, considering various ethical issues and how religions respond to them. This involves lively discussion and an opportunity to develop many skills in evaluation, reasoning, research, independent learning and presenting arguments that are extremely useful for A level, university and life.

Throughout the school, the subject is supported by the use of artefacts from various religions and by resources from various forms of media including films, up to date documentaries and current affairs programmes from the television. Appropriate educational visits will also be organised when possible.

The aim of the department is to allow the girls to develop: an understanding of religion, an ability to form and express their own opinions about life and its meaning, a knowledge about key moral questions that concern 21st century society, a healthy respect for other people’s points of view and the skills that will help them with life beyond school.