religious Studies

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Compulsory Subject

Examination Board: AQA

WHY SHOULD STUDENTS study religious Studies?

Religious Studies is compulsory in all schools because it gives time for students to think about both the biggest questions facing humans such as life and death, but also to have a knowledge of major religions that shape the world. Religious Studies aims to:

• Stimulate interest and enthusiasm for a study of religion

• Develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity

• Identify and promote exploration of, and reflection upon, questions about the meaning and purpose of life

• Consider religious and, where appropriate, other responses to moral issues

• Develop skills relevant to the study of religion

WHAT WILL STUDENTS NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS COURSE?

At St Andrew’s, students will build upon the previous three years studying Religious Studies. Each lesson you will be asked to come with a willingness to understand, share and discuss religious and ethical issues and apply this to exam situations.

SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

Religious Studies is supported across the school for all students to achieve the grade they are capable off. Teachers will work with students and build on the work in KS3 to make sure they understand the nature of religions and be able to apply this in an exam situation. After school sessions and booster classes are offered, as well as a mixture of support and challenge within each class.

Course DEscription

Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices - 50%

You will study modules on Christianity and Islam. This will include Christian key beliefs, Jesus Christ and Salvation, Worship and Festivals and the Role of the Church. Also Islamic key beliefs, authority, worship, duties and festivals.

Component 2: Thematic Studies – 50%

You will study modules on: Religion and Life; Relationships and Families; Religion, Peace and Conflict; and Crime and Punishment. These modules will look at current social opinion, Christian beliefs and the law.

Course Content and assessment

There is a written paper for each of the two components. Each written paper lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes and contributes 50% of the total marks. The questions are a mixture of multiple choice, short responses and 12 mark essay questions.

FURTHER EDUCATION AND CAREER PATHWAYS

Religious Education is about the understanding of the world we live in and the development of your thoughts and beliefs. Whilst several careers would be available to you such as working in church organisations and further study of religion, philosophy, and theology, the GCSE will give you skills that could apply to HR, administration and managing people and organisations.