Religious Studies

RELIGIOUS STUDIES: PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS GCSE

Introduction

As part of the RS: Philosophy and Ethics course, you will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding of philosophical questions such as: Is there a God? Where did the world come from? What happens after death? We will be debating ethical issues such as the use of animals in scientific research, the morality of war and human sexuality. In examining these issues, we will be investigating many different viewpoints, as well as our own. This will include religious views, with a focus on the Muslim and Christian perspectives.

Click pictures below to watch a video to find out more about Religious Studies and to to read more about careers linked with this option.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES: PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS GCSE

Aims

Through the study of the topics below, you will be encouraged to develop essential skills involved with debating and discussion techniques, empathy, essay structure, leadership and teamwork. The course asks you to examine all issues from many different viewpoints, which is critical to the kind of analytical thinking that colleges and universities demand. These skills will also be invaluable in the world of work. 

Course Details

The course consists of two units:

1.    Religion and Ethics: Christianity

 Beliefs: God, The Trinity, Good and Evil

Marriage and the Family: Sex, Marriage, Homosexuality, Gender

Living the Religious Life: Worship, Prayer, Pilgrimage, Festivals

Matters of Life and Death: Science, Abortion, Environment

2.    Religion, Peace and Conflict: Islam

Beliefs: Allah, Prophethood, Holy books, Angels, Life after Death

Crime and Punishment: Justice, Good and Evil, Death Penalty

Living the Religious Life: 10 Obligatory Acts, 5 Pillars, Festivals

Peace and Conflict: Conflict, Pacifism, Just War

How will the course be assessed?

Each unit equals 50% of the GCSE

Each unit is externally assessed at the end of year 11

Students will sit two exams, each lasting 1 hour 45 minutes

What you can expect from us

You will have five lessons per fortnight from a qualified and passionate Religion, Ethics and Philosophy specialist, who will work hard to make sure your lessons are engaging and will certainly cover everything you need to succeed in your Edexcel RS: Philosophy and Ethics exam.

You will receive feedback on your work, in order to ensure you know how to improve and progress. This feedback is vital if you are to achieve your potential, so make sure you value it and use it to inform your next piece of work.

You will have the resources, including various text books, and IT, to help you gain the knowledge that you need to succeed. You will also be surrounded by fellow philosophers, who are often the greatest resource of all!

Commitment 

The exam demands a certain amount of extended writing and all exams take place at the end of two years, so revision is a key skill; one that we can help you with. You will be expected to come to lessons with an open mind and a willingness to give the best effort you can. If a lesson is missed for whatever reason, it will be your responsibility to catch up on that work, or to seek the help of your teacher. Most importantly you will be expected to listen and learn from your fellow philosophers and your teacher.

Possible careers 

Law, Journalism, Politics, Social Work, Education, Writing, Business

Exam Board: Edexcel  

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/religious-studies-b-2016.html

Contact details

Mr Edwards