Religious Studies 

Why take Religious Studies?

Do you like learning about life from all over the world? Do you like finding the answers to the biggest questions? Do you like convincing everyone that you're right?

In today's diverse world, religion, ethics and culture are some of the most important things about which you can know. No matter what your ambitions are, employers are always looking for people who can take a difficult question, work out how to tackle it and argue convincingly in favour of their solution.

Religious Studies will equip you with a range of transferable skills:

• Communicating your ideas clearly and confidently

• Critical thinking and research skills to interpret, analyse and evaluate different perspectives

• Persuading people to agree with your approach through writing, debating and creative projects

• Developing your ability to consider your own beliefs and the beliefs of others thoughtfully

Religious Studies is a great option for anyone considering a career that involves engaging with lots of different people and finding creative solutions to challenges. Careers that lend themselves well to RS include education, business, the law, the civil service, politics, media and journalism, health and social care, the clergy, charity work, the police or any public-facing job, including working overseas.

What will I study?

Religious Studies is a very varied subject that allows you to draw on your own experiences and interests. You can pass with a very good grade if you put in the effort. The course has two components:

Component 1: Study of beliefs, teachings and practices of two major world religions (50%)

Component 2: Study of philosophical, ethical and religious themes, from a range including peace and conflict, crime and punishment, relationships and families, religion and life, human rights and social justice, textual studies and the existence of God and revelation (50%)

This study will involve imaginative projects, debates and visits to important sites, as well as developing your writing skills.

What's it worth?

One GCSE. It will be assessed through written exams.