RS AS LEVEL OVERVIEW This course does not assume any prior knowledge. The specification is broad and diverse comprising three equally weighted units of study: Philosophy, Ethics and Theology. The course content supports and complements courses of study such as Politics, PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics), policing, law and medicine. Paper 1 (2 hours) 67% of total marks Section A is Philosophy The topics are ones AGS students have touched upon in KS3. AS level study provides an opportunity to delve deeper into the arguments for the existence of a God, to think through the problems that the existence of evil and suffering presents for theists and to consider the nature and validity of religious experience. Section B is on Ethics. We examine a) three ethical theories, and their application to theft and lying b) the sanctity of life and medical ethics (add breadth to a science-based A level curriculum?) where we reflect on issues such as embryo research, cloning, designer babies, abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, capital punishment, blood sports, and intensive farming.
Entry requirements Paper 2 (1 hour) 33% of total marks Theology at AS level covers a range and depth of Christian thought, including: • Sources of authority and the concept and nature of God • The meaning and purpose of life and what happens after we die • Applying the Sanctity of Life principles to embryo and the unborn child, just war theory and weapons of mass destruction • Dominion and stewardship and the effects of human activities on the environment • Religious identity, sacraments and mission
Students should have a grade 6 in English Language GCSE and have demonstrated the ability to a) listen respectfully and analytically to viewpoints that they themselves do not share and b) discuss and debate their own viewpoint using well-supported reasons and evidence
Head of Department Mr R Warner
Assessment: At the end of the two-year course students will take the AQA Religious Studies AS level examination. This will comprise two written papers. The first will last 2 hours and is worth two thirds of the total exam. The second paper lasts one hour and is worth the remaining one third of the total marks.
Examination Board AQA
Specification 7061
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