Course Overview

GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES A (Philosophy and Ethics)– Full Course (9-1) 8062 

Exam Board: AQA  

Course Content and Skill Development

The course is made up of: Component 1 - The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices. Component 2 – Thematic studies. 

Component 1 covers a detailed study of the beliefs, teachings and practices of both Christianity and Buddhism. We look at religious worship, festivals and key figures, as well as the role of religion in society. We approach the study of religions in an open-minded way, focusing on them both as repositories of knowledge and traditions.  

Component 2 overs four philosophical and ethical themes. These are: 

1. Peace and Conflict, in which we study the causes and effects of violence between nations and discuss whether such violence can ever be justified. 

2. Religion and Family Life, in which we examine the changing nature of families throughout history, and how religion has shaped our norms around marriage, divorce and raising children. 

3. Human Rights and Social Justice, in which we learn about our human rights, discuss whether these need to be changed, and examine the threats to human rights around the world. 

4. Religion and Life, in which we discuss animal rights, environmental ethics and medical ethics, with particular attention to the ethics of abortion and euthanasia. 

As we study these issues throughout the course, we will aim to develop skills of debate and discussion, critical thinking, conceptual analysis and ethical reasoning. 

Method of Study

Discussions and debates

Presentations

Film clips

ICT 

Group work

Games

Case studies

Assessment Structure

The course is assessed by two exams, each 1 hour 45 minutes long, at the end of Year 11.

Paper 1 – The Study of Religions – students answer four five-part questions, two on each of the religions covered. 

Paper 2 – Thematic Studies – students answer four five-part questions, two on each of the religions covered. 

Opportunities Beyond Year 11

Students can go on to study Philosophy and Ethics at A level. This is a highly respected field, which leads to a wide range of university qualifications and careers that require good verbal and reasoning skills, such as journalism, law, medicine and politics. It is also beneficial for careers that involve a good understanding of people, such as medicine, psychology, social work, police work, counselling and charitable work.