• learn to understand and respect different religions, beliefs, values and traditions (including ethical life stances), and understand their influence on individuals, societies, communities and cultures;
• explore issues within, across and between faiths and consider questions of meaning and purpose in life;
• learn about religious and ethical teaching, enabling them to make reasoned and informed judgements on religious and moral issues;
• develop their sense of identity and belonging, preparing them for adult life as citizens in a multicultural society;
• develop skills of enquiry and response in analysis, expression, reflection, evaluation and application, through the use of distinctive language, listening and empathy.

In summary the subject has the twin aims of enabling pupils to: