Religious Studies

Religious Studies

Board AQA Specification 8062MA

Religious Studies at GCSE is a highly stimulating and extremely relevant course that is about the analysis of evidence and argument. The course will help you develop your own ideas, views and reasons as well as the skills of debate, critical thinking and evaluation.

The course will examine philosophical, ethical and moral issues from the point of view of two religions, as well as deeply exploring the beliefs and practices of the two chosen religions. You do not need to be religious to benefit from this exciting course. All that is required is enthusiasm and readiness to argue with an open mind and respect for others’ views, whether they are theistic, atheistic or agnostic. Religious Studies will certainly give you plenty to think about.

The GCSE comprises two core papers:

Component 1: Study of Religions a) Christianity – beliefs and practices b) Islam – beliefs and practices

Component 2: Thematic studies a) Crime and Punishment (types of punishment, arguments for and against death penalty, why we punish) b) Peace and Conflict (terrorism and extremism, reasons for war, nuclear weapons, just war theory) c) Religion and Life (abortion, euthanasia, use and abuse of animals, origins of the universe) d) Human Rights and Social Justice (prejudice and discrimination, wealth and poverty)

How will it help with my future?

Religious Studies is a challenging and rewarding course and is an excellent basis for moving on to an A level in Religious Studies (that comprises Philosophy, Ethics and Theology) and other Humanities subjects, as well as preparing you for an increasingly globalised world in which 84% of the population is religious, even if the UK is not as religious. It could also take you towards a number of careers, including working in the police, social worker, nurse, counsellor, youth worker, teacher, working for organisations such as the Peace Corps or Amnesty International, or in any career that requires an understanding of people and their beliefs and motivations, especially PR, marketing, human resources, law and journalism.

Entry Requirements

Religious Studies is a course for everyone; people with or without religious beliefs can study this subject. There are no specific entry requirements for this course, just come along with energy, enthusiasm and an open mind, as well as positive feedback from your Year 9 assessments in Religious Studies.

GCSE Assessment

You will take two examinations (Component 1 and 2) at the end of Year 11. There are no controlled assessments.

Further Information

If you are interested in taking this subject next year as a GCSE option, please feel free to discuss this with Mrs Hall, who you will find in the Humanities office or B6.