Religious Studies Short Course – RS.2

Head of Department: Mrs F Ross

Why study this subject?

• Do you like to think philosophically, to question ideas usually taken for granted? Do you sometimes wonder why we are here, or what makes something right or wrong? Do you enjoy expressing your ideas and questioning others? If you do, then you have found the subject you were looking for! • RS challenging and rewarding, puzzling yet stimulating. It will encourage you to wonder at the existence of the universe, to question what we ought to do while we’re here, and what, if anything, comes after. • Studying RS will help you to develop your critical thinking skills, as well as your ability to empathise with others and express your views. It gives you the opportunity to consider the way that people live and the beliefs they have. It will encourage you to draw on your own experiences and beliefs to apply them to situations which you are unlikely to have considered before.

• Lessons will involve discussion, video clips, stimulus material and a chance for you to think! This should help you to gain a better understanding of other people, and some of the most important issues facing the world today.

What will you study? Beliefs and teachings and practices

Learners will be studying two of the major world religions, these are: • Christianity • Islam.

Religion, philosophy and ethics in the modern world from a Christian perspective

• relationships and families • dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes – including ethical issues such as euthanasia, abortion and genetic manipulation.

How will you be assessed?

You will have a 2-hour examination at the end of Year 11 covering all the sections above. The resulting qualification is a half GCSE.