Religious Studies

Do you like analysing difficult concepts and taking the time to reflect upon deep issues? Do you find yourself thinking about big questions, such as: Does God exist? What happens after we die? Should euthanasia be legalised? Why aren’t murderers put to death for their crimes? Would you like to meet with people from a variety of cultures to discuss different beliefs in an open forum? If so, then Religious Studies is the course for you!

In Religious Studies, the subject matter is deep and the issues profound, dealing with deep questions about existence, morality and the meaning of life. It suits people interested in both Sciences and the Arts, and having a wide spectrum of background knowledge and opinions often leads to the most interesting discussions in class. You will enjoy this popular and exciting course if you have an open-minded approach to religious and philosophical questions and a willingness to consider different points of view.

What you will study and how you will be assessed

GCSE Religious Studies aims to give you the opportunity to: explore religions and beliefs, reflect on fundamental questions, engage with these questions intellectually and respond to them personally develop your interest in, and enthusiasm for, a rigorous study of religion and its relation to the wider world adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion and ethics reflect on and develop your own values, opinions and attitudes in the light of your learning Girls who take Religious Studies GCSE will complete two 1 hour 45 minute examinations at the end of Year 11. The two papers are outlined below:

Paper 1: The Study of Religions; beliefs, teachings and practices

You will study two world religions, Christianity and Islam.

You will consider the key beliefs and practices of these two influential religions and their place in the modern world. Paper 2: Thematic Studies You will study four philosophical and ethical themes:

Religion and Life – including issues surrounding the origins of life, such as evolution and the Big Bang theory, and the value of life, such as abortion and euthanasia.

Religion, crime and punishment - including issues such as the causes of crime and types of punishment, including the death penalty. Religion, human rights and social justice – including issues such as discrimination, religious freedom, the status and role of women in society and the exploitation of the poor. The existence of God and Revelation – including the classic philosophical arguments for the existence of God and the Problem of Suffering.

Examination Board – AQA