Why study Religious Studies at GCSE Level?

 

Because you have an enquiring mind and like answering back

Because you are interested in the questions of Philosophy,

the spiritual expressions found in Art and Music,

how different beliefs are portrayed in the Media, and how people are inspired to create.

Because you enjoy exploring interesting topics which matter to you

Because you want to broaden your horizons

Another good reason to choose Religious Studies is that you will develop important skills necessary for further study; thinking skills, self-confidence, empathizing with the views of others, asking questions about truth and meaning in life. Learning about ethical issues and how people express their faith has the capacity to motivate and empower students, enabling you to enjoy and value new discoveries about yourself as you grapple with ultimate questions and the responsibilities of society.

They also lay a good foundation for further study at A-level Philosophy and will complement other related and popular A-level subjects including: English Literature, History, Art and Sociology.

Students are encouraged to reflect on practices and belief systems, to analyse traditions and to develop a better understanding of both themselves and others. They learn how to communicate their responses to present reasoned arguments.

Religious Studies will help students to become responsible citizens by studying issues of local, national and global concern and placing them in moral and spiritual contexts. They learn how to evaluate ethical issues and by doing so enhance their capacity and desire to make a positive contribution to debates and decisions in society.

These skills are valuable for many occupations including medicine; marketing; teaching; social work; publishing and journalism; the Civil Service; personnel management; commerce.

 

What do we study at Religious Studies GCSE Level?

The AQA Specification - Full Course

 

 

Unit 2 - Religion and Life Issues:

Animal Rights
Early Life (Abortion)
Planet Earth
War and Peace
Prejudice and Discrimination
Young People

Unit 5 - Religious Expression in Society:

Art
Architecture
Media
Contemporary Socitey
Music
Literature

Each unit accounts for 50% of the total Full Course marks and will be completed over one year.

 

We also offer Unit 5 "Religious Expression in Society" as a stand -alone Short Course, also completed in one year.