It has been a busy term for students in Religious Studies with educational visits, fundraising events and visits from various speakers.

Year 7 students visited Wear Valley Christian Centre and St Anne's Church where they had the opportunity to study the buildings and compare the diversity which exists within faith traditions. In February, Year 8s will be visiting a synagogue to discover the key beliefs and traditions associated with the Jewish faith.

In Year 9 lessons, a talk from Christian Aid representative, Emma Peak highlighted the daily struggle faced by many local families who live in poverty; she also discussed the growing problem of childhood deaths caused by malaria in Nigeria. This inspired a number of fundraising events in support of Christian Aid, Woodhouse Close Food Bank and Cash for Kids, TFM's Christmas Appeal.

Year 10 students have learned about the effects of drugs and addiction in an emotive session with an inspirational speaker who works closely with the Police to raise awareness by telling his own story. The session discussed how he and his friends had turned their lives around following addiction, and looked at ways that victims of substance abuse and their families can seek help.

A similar, thought provoking Q&A session was also held with Darren Brown and John Turner from Hewitts Solicitors in Bishop Auckland, in which Year 10 students considered crime and punishment and the ethics of defending those who have committed crimes.

Religious Studies is a vibrant and exciting subject, which despite its title, no longer focuses purely on religion. It gives our young people the opportunity to discover and debate a wide range of topics from faith, culture, war and relationships, to diversity, ethics and the range of issues that affect and shape the society in which we live.

Lessons are designed to broaden personal views and promote independent thinking, choice and freedom by increasing our young people's knowledge and understanding of the wider world.