S HER BO RNE GIR L S SIX T H FORM
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 RS. 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.
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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.
