Religious Studies
Level |
GCSE Full Course |
Exam Board |
AQA Specification (Full Course) |
Website |
All students should study Religious Education to GCSE during Key Stage 4. This is delivered in three lessons per fortnight and all students will take two exams at the end of Key Stage 4.
The GCSE provides an opportunity to study an exciting course. The structure is not only varied, but covers a range of topics, guaranteed to provoke your thoughts.
The syllabus content is controversial and up-to-date with the world we live in today, but most importantly it explores how religion influences our opinions, moral codes, values and traditions through the religions of Christianity and Islam.
The course will bring together the subjects in the world that we feel passionately about, and consider why this is so. In a world where a majority of people have a personal faith it is important to know about religion and the effect that it has on individuals. You will discover the power of religious influence and beliefs and will gain a genuine understanding of the influence it has on our lives. From knowledge comes an understanding of world events, and tolerance towards others.
It is varied, it is interesting and it is well respected by employers as an indicator of social skills for tolerance, understanding and communication. The course also contributes to cross-curricular areas of health education, personal and social education, gender and multi-cultural issues.
Exam papers (100%)
- Component 1 The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices
- Component 2 Thematic Studies
The course is made up of 6 units:
Component 1 - The Study of Religions
- Beliefs, teachings and practices in Christianity
- Beliefs, teachings and practices in Islam
Component 2 - Thematic Studies
- Relationships and families
- Religion and life
- Religion, peace and conflict
- Religion, crime and justice
Revision Guide
AQA Revision Guide Religious Studies A (9-1) Christianity and Islam Oxford University Press ISBN 978-0-19-842283-9
Post-16 Choices
The GCSE in Religious Studies feeds into A-Level Philosophy and Ethics, where students go on to explore, in more depth, these theories and philosophies. This course is designed for students who have a real interest in philosophy and ethics and want to develop their own thoughts and opinions on some of the ultimate questions that are out there.
Staff Contact
Mrs U Codling – urszula.codling@oxted.thpt.org.uk