Religious studies
RELIGIOUS STUDIES (RE) - GCSE
What makes people act in certain ways? If you’re interested in understanding this then RE is for you! At GCSE we look at why and how different people have different beliefs about many different issues, from animal rights and how we treat the environment to issues concerning what it means to be human (including issues concerning conscience and the idea of a soul, the death penalty as a punishment and abortion and euthanasia).
As such the GCSE course in Religious Studies reflects the changing role and importance of religion in today’s society including Ethics and Philosophy in the Modern World!
The course addresses issues primarily in Christianity and Islam but also allows for other religious beliefs to be studied. It allows students to reflect upon their own views and gives them opportunities to personally respond to the topics studied.
The two year course, taught over two periods a week, covers a range of issues including,
questions on the origin of the universe and the debate on evolution and intelligent design
the problem of evil for religious believers; the questions the existence of evil raise about God’s creation and power
differing responses to situations when abortion is advocated
religious attitudes towards sex, marriage and divorce including responses to parental involvement and race in the choice of marriage partner
religious attitudes towards drugs and the debate about the classification and legal status of different drugs
different responses to war including reasons for pacifism and ways in which a ‘just war’ and ‘holy war’ have been justified
attitudes towards crime and punishment including the debate on capital punishment
....and much, much more!
Religious Studies at GCSE is suitable for anyone who has an interest in the issues and debates that affect people’s lives today. You do not have to become a vicar or a priest! You do, though, need an open mind and an ability to see all sides of an argument.
Presently this course follows the AQA Specification.
Further information from Mrs. N. Parkinson
