What we aim to do
Religious Studies is a stimulating, vibrant subject that contains elements of both citizenship and religious education. On this course, you will adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion by exploring and developing an understanding of the beliefs, values and traditions of different cultures locally, nationally and in the wider world. You will also have the opportunity to express, reflect on and develop your own values, opinions and attitudes to moral and religious questions.
The core religions we study are Christianity and Islam; you will consider the responses of these religions, and a range of other responses, to key moral issues and fundamental questions within each of the units studied below. The main advantage of GCSE Religious Studies is that it equips students with excellent reasoning and discursive skills, vital for higher education, as well as enhancing both written and oral communication. Religious Studies gives students an excellent understanding of multi-ethnic society and the skills needed to make the decisions every adult faces.
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
Religious Studies is assessed through two exams, both one hour and 45 minutes long. Students will study content on ‘Religion and Ethics’ for Paper 1, which includes four topics: Beliefs in God, Marriage and the Family, Living the Religious Life and matters of Life and Death. Paper 2: ‘Religion, Peace and Conflict’ similarly contains four topics: Beliefs, Crime and Punishment, Living the Religious Life and Peace and Conflict.
Enrichment Opportunities
In the past students have participated in full day documentary making workshops where they aimed to put together a video in answer to a key moral question or issue such as ‘Should we bring back capital punishment?’ Students have also been taken on a trip to Winchester to see the Cathedral and experience the Christmas market.
Future opportunities may include visiting places of worship in London, as well as a number of museums and community cohesion centres.
Additional Information