Opinions – Debates – Analysis – Critical Evaluation – Debate – Questioning – Interpretation – Empathy – Clear & Logical Thinking – Literacy & Oracy – Negotiating – Organisation – Problem solving – Research – Working to Deadlines - Questioning

Topics you will study

Crime & Punishment

Good & Evil Actions & People; Causes of Crime; Aims of Punishment; The Punishment of Criminals; Capital Punishment; Justice and Forgiveness.

Religion and Life

Treatment of the Universe; Animal experimentation; Origins and Value of Human Life; Abortion; Euthanasia; Sanctity of Life; Quality of Life; Death & the Afterlife.

Relationships and the family 

Human sexuality, Same-sex relationships, sex before marriage, Contraception, Divorce, The Nature of Families, Gender Equality

Religion, Peace and Conflict

Peace and Conflict, Terrorism, Just War Theory, Holy War, Evil & Suffering, Pacifism.

Christian Teachings, Beliefs and Practices

Nature of God, Trinity, Life of Jesus, Sacraments, Festivals, Christianity in the community. 

Islamic Teachings, Beliefs and Practices. Philosophy and Ethics

Nature of Allah, Sunni and Shia beliefs, The Five Pillars of Islam, Festivals, Islamin the community.

"Worldviews covers a wide range of issues that affect millions of people around the world. It widens your awareness of the surrounding world and teaches people to communicate their own views on many different topical areas. It reflects the fast changing world you live in."

Skills gained by studying Worldviews 

Philosophy & Ethics are valued by employers and universities:

Russell Group states that: “Religious Studies … provides suitable preparation for entry to university in general.”

University of Oxford: ‘Reports in the media or speculation that Oxford has indicated a preference or requirement for candidates to have the English Baccalaureate are not accurate.’

Cambridge University published a list of subjects which are regarded as acceptable preparation for entry – RS appears in the top level list.

Potential careers

Teaching, Civil Service, National Security, Diplomatic Service, Defence Industry, Human Rights, Law, Politics, Emergency Services: Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard, Human resources.

RS with English - Advertising, Publishing, Journalism, Media, Broadcasting, Copywriting.

RS with Science - Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary, Medical laboratories, Research & development.

RS with Maths - Banking, Business, Management, Retail.

RS with Geography - Pilot, Armed Forces, Aid agencies, Charity worker, Travel & Tourism.

RS with other subjects - Hospitality, Youth & Social Work, Councillor, Translators, Self-Employment, Office Administrators.

Did we forget to mention that

· · ·

Worldviews (RS) is a lively and stimulating GCSE subject that provides a great opportunity for students to engage with current issues, developing social, cultural, political and historical awareness. It encourages philosophical thought and decision making skills, enabling students to discuss and analyse topics they encounter in society and through the media.  Worldviews  helps students to develop an understanding of their own values and beliefs, gaining a greater sense of their own identity, learning how to respect the rights and responsibilities of others. The study of non-religious and religious opinions helps students to learn how to think critically, listen empathetically, speak thoughtfully, and write clearly - all skills that will be of great use no matter what you go on to do in life.

Student Views

· · ·

“I chose GCSE Worldviews because I enjoy this subject, it’s not just about religion, you learn about current and social issues.”

 “I chose GCSE Worldviews because I like expressing my opinion”

 “GCSE Worldviews was a good option for me because you can have a different perspective on life. It provides skills on social and ethical issues.”

“I chose to take GCSE Worldviews because there is no correct answer when it comes to your opinion which is different to other subjects.”

“Worldviews is good because I get to explore my own opinions and think about where my thoughts come from”