KS4 Philosophy and Religion 

Aims of the Course

• Through studying this subject students will be encouraged to:

• Acquire knowledge which is essential to understanding life outside school, thus enabling them to be flexible, adaptable and tolerant citizens in a rapidly changing and increasingly diverse society.

• Understand the complexity of the world around them and the mutual dependence of differing individuals, religions, races and other groups, particularly those which are not part of their immediate experience.

• Form independent, moral, social, religious and aesthetic judgements, based on awareness, knowledge and understanding of the spiritual dimension of life.

• Explore key moral issues considering their own views and the views of others and how this impacts society’s view as a whole, including formulation of laws and current issues

• Develop the ability to understand how religious beliefs affect the ways in which those who hold the beliefs think and act and thereby recognise that religion is a living reality in the community.

• Develop skills in presenting, developing and justifying arguments, both verbally and written; enquiry skills; evaluating different viewpoints, including their own; and justifying their views.

General Description

Religions: Students will study two major world faiths – Christianity and Islam

Students will study the beliefs and practices of Islam and Christianity raising philosophical question of meaning and purpose for humanity, the world and religion.

Ethical Issues: Students will study a range of ethical issues and questions covering Relationships, Human Rights, Life and Death and Good and Evil. These topics explore key moral issues such as abortion, the use of contraception, the death penalty, the challenge of censorship, terrorism and euthanasia.

Topics will be discussed covering a range of religious and non- religious responses debating the advances in Science and Technology and exploring how humanity has responded to these changes.

This gives students a chance to explore their own opinions through discussion, challenge and debate.

Assessment

Students are assessed through three components:

Component 1 (50% of GCSE) – Themes / Ethical Issues

Written exam: 2 hours (120 marks, plus 6 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG))

Component 2 (25% of GCSE) – Christianity

Written exam: 1 hour (60 marks, plus 6 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG))

Component 3 (25% of GCSE) – Islam

Written exam: 1 hour (60 marks)