Courses
We offer a broad and balanced curriculum, for key stage 3 (Years 7-9), key stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) and key stage 5 (Years 12 and 13 - Sixth Form). Click the appropriate button below to find the details for each subject offered in each key stage.
Further details of our curriculum are available on the curriculum page.
Overview
Religious Studies
Introduction
Welcome to our religious studies GCSE! This engaging and comprehensive program is designed to help you explore and understand the profound questions and diverse beliefs that shape our world. Our course delves into two major world religions of Christianity and Islam, examining their beliefs, teachings, and practices. You'll investigate philosophical and ethical issues, developing a deeper understanding of concepts like the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the nature of reality. The curriculum also covers contemporary moral issues, such as race and equality, medical ethics, human rights, and social justice, encouraging you to think critically and form well-rounded opinions.
Through this course, you will develop key skills highly valued by universities and employers. You will enhance your ability to analyse complex texts, construct well-supported arguments, and engage in thoughtful discussions. Our emphasis on empathy and understanding will help you appreciate different perspectives and cultures, preparing you for a diverse and interconnected world. With a blend of individual research, group activities, and lively debates, our religious studies GCSE course is not only academically rewarding but also personally enriching. Whether you aim to pursue further studies in humanities, aspire to a career in law, education, or social services, or simply wish to broaden your horizons, this course offers valuable insights and skills.
Join us on this intellectual journey and discover the profound impact that religious studies can have on your academic growth and personal development. Enrol now and take the first step towards a deeper understanding of the world and your place in it.
Qualification
GCSE
Awarding body
Pearson Edexcel
Course leader
Mr C Steadman-South
Assessment
- Examination: 100%
- Religion and belief through Islam: Specification B | 1 hour 45 mins | 50%
- Religion, philosophy and social justice through Christianity: Specification B | 1 hr 45 mins | 50%
- Non-examined assessment: 0%
Curriculum
Course content
- Topics include: Muslim beliefs and practices e.g. the nature of God, the problem of evil, and the afterlife. Marriage and the family.
- To understand aspects of the interconnections between religion and ethics from the view point of Islam.
- Topics include: Christian beliefs and practices e.g. philosophy of religion, the beginning of the universe, equality, racism and prejudice.
- To understand aspects of interconnections between religion, philosophy and social justice from the view point of Christianity.
Topics
In one half of the course we look at Islam specifically four modules:
- Islamic beliefs.
- Marriage and the family.
- Living the Muslim life.
- Matters of life and death.
In Christianity we look at:
- Christian beliefs.
- Philosophy of religion.
- Living the Christian life.
- Equality.
Skills and requirements
Skills required
- To be able to put your own opinion into words and to back it up with reasons, examples and a fully justified conclusion.
- To be able to compare the different religious attitudes to different interesting and current world issues.
- To analyse the strengths and weaknesses of different positions taken on a topic.
- To develop and strengthen our personal views on a range of topics.
Beyond the classroom
Future pathways
Your studies will help you to understand the society in which you live.
Many employees are looking for evidence of people who have thought about other people, especially in careers in medicine, law, teaching, nursing and the armed forces.
Many future careers require you to process large amounts of information logically and in a thoughtful, fully considered way.
