What will we be studying on the Religious Studies GCSE?

How is the Religious Studies GCSE assessed?

The Religious Studies GCSE is assessed through 2 exam papers at the end of Y11.

Each exam paper contains a mixture of:

• Short answer questions (e.g. Identify....)

• Process questions (e.g. Explain the belief of...)

• Essay style questions (e.g. How far do you agree that...)

Over the journey of the course students will encounter all of the relevant question styles and be given the opportunities and tools to excel at each one.

The papers are divided as followed:

Paper 1 (1 hour 45 minutes):

The Study of Religions - Beliefs, Teachings & Practices (50% of qualification)

Paper 2 (1 hour 45 minutes):

Thematic Studies (50% of qualification)

There is no coursework for this qualification.

FAQs

1. Does Religious Studies count as one of my two Humanities options?

No, you will need to choose either History or Geography in the Humanities option block.

However, you can pick Religious Studies alongside either of the Humanities as one of your additional two options choices.

2. What additional materials and equipment will I need to study Religious Studies?

You will need a folder and dividers for keeping your revision materials and notes in. Keeping this organised is essential and so wallets and/or dividers may be helpful.

For each unit that we study there is a course textbook. This will be used alongside other materials in class but if you need to use it for homework etc. copies of relevant pages will be made available.

There are revision guides and flashcards produced by both the exam board and CGP but you will be given more information about these when you begin the course.

3. Will Religious Studies be taught in sets?

No, we believe that mixed-ability teaching provides all learners with the best possible outcomes. Teachers will adapt their teaching to the students who are present in their class.

4. What will homework look like?

Homework will vary between examination questions, regular revision tasks and pre-reading for lessons. It is essential that homework is completed so that maximum progress can be made in lesson time.

5. What kind of students does a Religious Studies GCSE suit?

• An enquiring personality who loves asking big questions & doesn’t always accept the first answer

• Able to look at different perspectives

• Organised with course materials

• Committed to regular recap of learning

• Enjoy debating both verbally and in a written format

Where can Religious Studies take you?

Studying theology and religious studies allows you to explore how religious beliefs and practices shape and influence the world we live in. It also teaches you how to think for yourself and how to analyse and communicate ideas clearly and logically.

Jobs in which Religious Studies would be a useful pathway towards (click on the job to find out more):

• Advice worker

• Archivist

• Barrister

• Charity fundraiser

• Chaplain

• Civil Service Fast Streamer

• Counsellor

• Health service manager

• Local government officer

• International aid/development worker

• Marketing executive

• Newspaper journalist

• Paralegal

• Police officer

• Policy officer

• Psychotherapist

• Recruitment consultant

• Solicitor

• Stockbroker

• Youth worker