Religious Studies

Religious Studies

Course Length

Two years (or one year depending on individual circumstances).

The course

Religious Studies deals with issues that are relevant to all aspects of life in the 21st century. Students look at the beliefs, teachings and practices of two religions. The course covers relationships and families, equality, gender issues and prejudice and discrimination. Philosophical perspectives on the existence of God are also discussed. The contribution of religion to war and conflicts is explored and whether peace can ever be achieved. We also study the relationship between religions and non-religious beliefs. You do not need to have a particular faith to explore answers to these questions in GCSE Religious Studies. Equally you do not have to be a non-believer. The student of Religious Studies has to have intellectual curiosity and the ability to empathise with and understand the views of others.

The course is divided into two components.

• Component one looks at:
  Beliefs and teachings and Practices.
  Students will study two of the following:
  Buddhism, Christianity, Catholic Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism. (Christianity and Catholic Christianity is a prohibited combination).

• Component two looks at:
  Religious, philosophical and ethical studies.
  Students will study four themes from the following:
  A: Relationship and families.
  B: Religion and life.
  C: The existence of God and revelation.
  D: Religion, peace and conict.
  E: Religion, crime and punishment.
  F: Religion, human rights and social justice.

What skills do I need?

You need to be interested in the world around you and keen to discuss thorny issues.

How is the course assessed?

Component 1:
written paper 1 hour 45 minutes 50% weighting

Component 2:
written paper 1 hour 45 minutes 50% weighting

Course Books

(provided by college)

AQA Religious Studies A Buddhism
by Kevin James, Nagapriya
ISBN 9780198370321

AQA Religious Studies A Christianity
by Marianne Fleming, Peter Smith & David Worden
ISBN 9780198370338

Exam Board and Specification Codes

AQA Religious Studies Specification A 8062