Religious Studies

Exam Board : OCR (J625) RELIGION & PHILOSOPHY

Mrs CM Williams ● Head of Religion and Philosophy ● cwilliams@kgs.org.uk

Which religions are studied?

As is made clear in the table on the next page, we study ‘Beliefs & Teachings’ and ‘Practices’ of both Christianity and Islam.

In short, we consider the ideas of influential philosophers and theologians as well as current denominational viewpoints, and the emphasis is on evaluating key religious doctrines, tenets, beliefs, practices, philosophical arguments and ethical viewpoints through traditional and contemporary examples.

Which parts of Philosophy are studied?

As is also clear from the table on the next page, we study Philosophy of Religion and Moral Philosophy (also known as Ethics). We consider these topics through the lens of Christianity. Recent government reforms have included an in-depth look at secularism so this is a fundamental part of the course as well. On the ethical side of the course we also look at the legal perspective.

Which skills are needed to do this GCSE?

A genuine interest in the subject is needed: that is, the curiosity to find out more about the world in which we live, about other people, and about yourself. We cover some of the most fundamental philosophical questions so students should have an open mind and be willing to listen to others, as well as contributing their own ideas to discussions.

Any other important information?

There is no need to have studied Religion & Philosophy in the Third Year in order to embark on this GCSE. It is a genuinely interesting and enjoyable subject and many of our students go on to study it in the Sixth Form as well as at university. The skills developed will help formulate, defend and deconstruct arguments – something that will be extremely useful further up the school and beyond. The examination questions are all essay-based and so it is helpful if students are strong in English.

The name of the qualification that you will receive is ‘Religious Studies’.

Exam Board : OCR (J625) RELIGION & PHILOSOPHY (CONTINUED)

Which topics are covered?

Content • Christian Beliefs & Teachings: The Nature of God; the concept of Trinity; creation; the problem of evil; Jesus Christ; salvation; eschatology.

• Christian Practices: sacraments; worship; weddings and funerals; festivals; prayer; mission; aid agencies.

• Muslim Beliefs & Teachings: Articles of faith; the nature of Allah; shirk; prophethood; sources of wisdom; angels; eschatology.

• Muslim Practices: Five pillars; public and private acts of worship; Hajj pilgramage; charity; fasting; festivals; jihad. 50% (25% in each religion)

% of the GCSE

Philosophy of Religion

• The question and goodness of God, and the problem of evil; arguments for the existence of God; philosophical views on the nature of reality; revelation; religious experiences; miracles.

• Challenges for religion; secularism; scientific development and medical ethics (abortion, euthanasia, genetic manipulation); dialogue between and within religious groups; atheism; agnosticism; humanism.

Ethics

• Relationships and families; gender; equality.

• Violence and conflict; terrorism; just war theory; pacifism; forgiveness; reconciliation; social justice. 50%