AQA Religious Studies GCSE: (Specification A – 8062) All Lower School pupils embark upon this two-year course. The aim of the course is to: • develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of religions and non-religious beliefs • provide opportunities for pupils to engage with questions of belief, value, meaning, purpose, truth, and their impact on human life • challenge pupils to reflect on and develop their own values, beliefs and attitudes in the light of what they have learnt and contribute to their preparation for adult life in a pluralistic society and global community. The course requires pupils to: • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of two religions; Christianity and Islam • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key sources of wisdom and authority including texts which support contemporary religious faith • understand the impact of religion on individuals, communities and societies • understand significant common and divergent views between and within religions and belief • apply knowledge and understanding in order to analyse questions related to religious beliefs and values • construct well-informed and balanced arguments on matters concerned with religious beliefs and values. The mode of assessment is by exams at the end of the two years of the course. • There are two papers:
• Beliefs and Practices in two religions (Christianity and Islam–1 hour 45 minutes)
• Thematic studies (1 hour 45 minutes) including: • Religion and life issues • The existence of God and revelation • Religion, peace and conflict • Religion, crime and punishment.
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