Religious Studies GCSE

What is the main aim of the course?

The Religious Studies GCSE includes the examination of Christianity and Islam, the two biggest religions in the world, alongside four contemporary philosophical and ethical themes. The main aim of this course is to challenge students with questions about belief, purpose, meaning, values and truth. Leading to students developing their own ideas and attitudes towards religious and secular issues.

Our aim is for students to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to engage in discussion about life, ethics and spirituality in a modern pluralistic society. Students will be able to hold well-informed, far-reaching discussions in the classroom on key beliefs in Christianity and Islam, as well as respectful conversations with anyone they encounter outside of school.  

They will approach different ethical positions with an open mind, empathising with different perspectives and displaying the flexibility to reason from various viewpoints, and the analytical and evaluative skills to produce compelling and convincing arguments.

What will you learn?

In Section A, the religions paper, students will deepen their knowledge of Islam and Christianity; consider similarities and differences between their beliefs and teachings; and understand the impact they have on the lives of Muslims and Christians today.  Common and divergent views in the way beliefs and teachings are understood and expressed within Christianity and Islam are included throughout.

In section B, the philosophy paper, students will study philosophical and ethical ideas related to issues around sex, relationships, families and gender in theme A; violence, terrorism, war and pacifism in theme D; corporal punishment, the death penalty and forgiveness in theme E; and the status of women in religion, the uses of wealth and freedom of religious expression in theme F; and their impact and influence on the modern world.

During the course you will learn:

The study of religions
Christian beliefs, teachings and practices 
Islamic beliefs, teachings and practices

Contemporary, Philosophical and Ethical themes
Theme A: Relationships and families
Theme D: Religion, peace and conflict
Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment 
Theme F: Religion, human rights and social justice 

How is the course assessed?

The study of religions: written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes. Worth 50% of the GCSE
Contemporary philosophical and ethical themes: written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes. Worth 50% of the GCSE

How does this course connect to the world of work and allow students to reach ambitious destinations?

Students will develop an understanding that religion, philosophy and ethics are the foundations of our society and culture. The course will enable them to develop critical thinking and analytical skills. RS will give students the opportunity to develop their ability to work with abstract ideas.

The ability to understand and explore different worldviews is incredibly important in today’s society, both culturally and economically, as we continue to operate on an increasingly globalised scale. Academically, it is a strong base for discussion, debate and analytical subjects such as Philosophy, Law, Politics and, of course, Theology.

Students who take this subject alongside other literacy-based or Humanities subjects will have a superb platform from which to pursue any essay-based or Humanities degree.  Many students have gone on to study Philosophy at university and have then gone on to careers in fields as varied as journalism, teaching, policing and civil service work.

Who do you need to contact if you have any further questions about this course?

Miss Fisher, rfisher@srwa.co.uk.