RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Head of Department: Mrs J Hayward

Religious Studies in the 1st - 3rd Years

All girls have two periods of Religious Studies each week, taught in tutor groups.
In the first three years the following topics are covered:

GCSE Religious Studies (AQA Examination Board)

Religious Studies is a Humanities course open to pupils of any religious persuasion or none.

The course aims to: acquire knowledge and develop understanding of the beliefs, values and traditions on one or more religions; consider the influence of the beliefs, values and traditions associated with one or more religions; consider religious and other responses to moral issues; identify, investigate and respond to fundamental questions of life raised by religion and human experience, including questions about the meaning and purpose of life; develop skills relevant to the study of religion.

In the 4th year (year 10) we study Christianity and Saint Mark's Gospel.
In the 5th year we look at the effects of Christianity on behaviour, attitudes and lifestyles.

There is no course-work, but there are two examination papers (modules) which are taken, one at the end of each year.
It is possible to re-sit each module if so required.

A Religious Studies GCSE is a valuable basic qualification for careers in a wide area. It can be especially useful in a career where dealing with people is important.

A-Level Religious Studies (OCR Examination Board) (AS) H172 (A2) H572

COURSE CONTENT

Two main units are studied – Ethics and New Testament.  Ethics is wide ranging and philosophical. It looks at the area of human character and conduct.  The problems we face in life mean that we have to make moral and ethical judgments.  An investment in the leaders of tomorrow can be made through taking a Religious Studies A level course. Our contemporary world seems to be constantly preoccupied with ethical debates on topics such as Abortion, Euthanasia, Cloning and Embryonic Engineering. The New Testament specification involves a critical study of sections of the Gospels and themes of the teachings of Jesus.  These teachings are related to life in to-day’s world.

Two AS modules are taken in June of the first year of study and two A2 modules are taken in June of the second year of study.

REQUIREMENTS

You do not have to be religious to study RS at A Level.  The course is designed for those of any religious background, or none.  You do not need to have taken RS GCSE but it will obviously be an advantage.  The specification does not assume or require any previous study of the subject.’

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