The GCSE Religious Studies course involves the study of the key beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity and Buddhism and their basis in Christian and Buddhist sources of wisdom and authority. 

In addition, students taking GCSE Religious Studies will cover the following four religious, philosophical and ethical themes:

• Religion and life:

  • Can it be morally right to terminate a pregnancy?

  • Does anybody have the right to die?

  • Should animals suffer for our experimentation?

  • Does the Big Bang Theory give us the full picture about how we are here?

• The existence of God and revelation:

  • Can visions reveal God’s glory?

  • Do miracles tell us everything we need to know about God?

  • Does nature testify to God's existence?

  • If God exists, why is there suffering?

  • Is it rational to believe that God does not exist?

• Religion, peace and conflict:

  • Can violence ever be justified?

  • What are the implications of weapons of mass destruction?

  • Is pacifism really the answer?

  • If religion teaches peace, can terrorists really be religious?

• Religion, crime and punishment:

  • Would corporal punishment be an effective deterrent?

  • Should we bring back the death penalty?

  • Does forgiveness fix the world?

As citizens of the world, it is important that our students must not lose out on knowledge about religious and non-religious worldviews. This will make them more-rounded individuals. Our vision is for our students to become well-informed, thoughtful and tolerant young people. At HDHS we believe that studying Religious Studies helps students to understand and appreciate different cultures, beliefs and traditions. This helps in developing deeper perceptions of themselves and other people. The subject promotes self-awareness, respect, open-mindedness, appreciation and wonder. 

Further details can be obtained from: Mr Cook; david.cook@hdhs.school

GCSE assessments: