Religious Studies

Why study Religious Studies?

A Level Religious Studies is a highly engaging subject, and classes involve a considerable amount of discussion and debate. To get the most out of the subject, pupils must be willing to participate in these discussions, sharing their own ideas and listening to and respecting the views of others. Through this, they develop skills of critical evaluation and analysis, which are practised verbally and in essay writing.

Where can it lead?

A Level Religious Studies provides excellent transferable skills, such as essay writing, confidence in debating and the ability to appreciate other viewpoints. These skills are incredibly helpful in a range of university degrees involving critical thinking and discussion, including Humanities, English, Psychology and PPE. Universities highly value applicants with a good grade at A Level in Religious Studies.

Religious Studies or a related subject at degree level can lead to a range of challenging and rewarding jobs, using either direct knowledge gained from the subject or the attendant skills. Possible jobs from a Religious Studies or Philosophy degree include: lecturing, teaching, advice worker, archivist, work within ‘third sector’ organisations, counselling, community development worker, and police officer or youth worker.

Course content

In Philosophy of Religion pupils study philosophical issues and questions raised by religion and belief. These include arguments regarding the existence or non-existence of God, the nature and influence of religious experience and the problems of evil and suffering. They explore philosophical language and thought through significant concepts and the works of key thinkers in the philosophy of religion.

Religion and Ethics are characterised by the study of ethical language and thought, with exploration of key concepts and the works of influential thinkers. Ethical theory is also applied to issues of importance, such as euthanasia, business ethics, and sexual ethics.

Developments in Religious Thought provides an opportunity for the systematic study of Christianity. This includes the exploration of religious beliefs, values, teachings and practices that shape religious identity, as well as sources of wisdom and authority. Also central are the ways in which religious traditions have developed over time, and religious responses to challenges and significant contemporary social issues, such as feminism and evidence for the existence of the historical Jesus.

Will I enjoy it?

Religious Studies provides a wonderful opportunity for pupils to crystallise thinking and establish their views on a variety of topics. In our experience, many people say that beliefs, especially on philosophical matters like ethics or religion, depend on upbringing. In this course, pupils question their beliefs and become accustomed to critiquing their views and those of others.

Subject matter: the questions that RS investigates are the most profound questions that we can ask. It investigates the deepest aspects of what it means to be human. Are we simply animals that have evolved, or do we have a spiritual dimension that will survive the death of our bodies? Does God exist, and if so, what does God expect of us? What can we know about the world we live in, and is certainty important? Is there one moral code for all people to live by, or is right and wrong ‘simply’ a matter of culture?

Dispute: if there are answers to these questions, they are not obvious! Philosophy requires pupils to suspend belief and disbelief while thinking. It asks them to avoid being too quick to jump to conclusions. It involves hard thinking, careful deliberation and personal growth: all attributes that are highly valued in universities and by employers.

Assessment

Examination board: OCR Specification Code: H573

Three examination papers, equally weighted. • Philosophy of Religion • Religion and Ethics • Developments in Religious Thought

Who can give me more information? Mr Melligan

j.melligan@sherborne.com