Religious studies

religious studies Religious Studies - AS/A2

Exam Board: AQA

Do ‘near death experiences’ provide reasonable grounds for belief in the afterlife?

How successful are the challenges to religious experience from philosophy and science?

How worthwhile is the pursuit of happiness, and is it all that people desire?

Is Religious Studies for you?

You must have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including at least a C in English Language.

• You enjoy debating and discussing philosophical and ethical ideas and themes.

You want to understand how religion fits into the wider world and how philosophy fits into history.

You would like the opportunity to have your personal beliefs challenged in a safe way.

You enjoy reading as well as presenting and developing your ideas in written form.

What will I learn?

AS Year

During lessons you will use information from books and take part in discussions. Videos will be used to prompt debate and reinforce learning. You will also sometimes work in groups to present information to the rest of the class.

Ethics You will examine how people make moral decisions and the different ethical theories that exist. You will also explore religious teachings on the nature and value of life. These two aspects will then help you as you explore a number of moral questions such as abortion and euthanasia.

Philosophy of Religion You will explore why people believe in God, and whether God is an existence that can be proved. You will cover a wide range of topics and will make you think deeply about questions including the mystery and meaning of life.

A2 Year Ethics You will explore more conceptual questions, such as the nature of conscience and the debate as to how far our actions are determined, or based on our individual free will.

Philosophy of Religion You will go into more depth, examining the relationship between reason and faith and explore topics such as the body, personal identity and the concept of evil.

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How will I be assessed?

All assessment for this course is through written examination.

What activities can I get involved in?

The College has lots of exciting enrichment and C.V building opportunities including the chance to earn the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, learn a new skill, learn a language, join a club, take up or develop a sport or take on a new challenge. See the College Prospectus for further information about what is on offer.

Where does it lead?

Some students choose to study a degree related to Religious Studies at University. Religious Studies is an increasingly popular subject in schools and colleges. This means that there is currently a shortage of teachers, which provides an opportunity for those considering a career in teaching.

The ability to understand and interact with people and organisations from a variety of religious and cultural traditions is highly valued by many employers in our multi-cultural society, particularly by those working in management and human resources.

Regardless of whether or not students decide to take the subject further, by studying it at A-Level, they gain skills including 'arguing a case on the basis of evidence' - a skill which is absolutely central to progress in many careers.

The study of religion is excellent preparation for Higher Education courses in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

tel: 0151 652 5575 email: enrol@bsfc.ac.uk

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