Religious Studies

Religious Studies deals with people and ideas developing thinking skills which are needed for any academic subject. Pupils develop the ability to find information, use a variety of enquiring techniques, ask and consider challenging philosophical questions and empathise with alternative viewpoints.

At GCSE, the Philosophy and Ethics of Religion course allows pupils to investigate and respond to fundamental questions of life raised by religion and human experience. They will also consider religious and other responses to moral issues. Pupils will study the beliefs, practices and values of two religions – Christianity and Hinduism. Pupils will engage with some of the ‘Big Questions’ of human nature and experience and develop their ability to express a justified, informed viewpoint on controversial issues.

The topics covered in Year 10 include :- Religion and Science, Good and Evil, The Nature of God, Death and the Afterlife.

In Year 11 – Human Relationships, Medical Ethics, Religion and Equality, Peace and Justice

Assessment is 100% examination. There is no coursework or controlled assessment.

The specification is designed to provide a broad structure for the study of religion and caters for candidates of any religious persuasion or none. Pupils are required to express an informed and justified personal viewpoint on the issues. In all topics students are strongly encouraged to articulate their own viewpoint and to bring in wider religious knowledge.

This subject is useful for a variety of career options, in particular the caring professions (e.g. medicine, social care) and those that demand analytical and writing skills (e.g. journalism, law).