Religious Studies

Exam Board: AQA

The Religious Studies course is divided into two parts. The first focuses on two major world religions, Christianity and Islam. They will learn about the beliefs, teachings and practices linked to these religious groups. They were discuss the similarities and differences between the too. They will also get the opportunity to study and analyse religious texts and scripture from the Bible and Qu’ran to develop a better understanding of their beliefs.

The second aspect of the course allows students to explore philosophical and ethical studies too. They will discuss topics such as relationships and families, religion and life, peace and conflict as well as crime and punishment. They will make links back to the 2 religions they have studied to see what their views are linked to these areas.

Students should study religious teachings, and religious, philosophical and ethical arguments, relating to the issues that follow, and their impact and influence in the modern world. They should be aware of contrasting perspectives in contemporary British society on all of these issues.

When learning about religion relationships and families they will focus on the following:

•  Human sexuality including: heterosexual and homosexual relationships.
• Sexual relationships before and outside of marriage.
• Contraception and family planning.
• The nature and purpose of marriage.
• Same-sex marriage and cohabitation.
• Divorce, including reasons for divorce, and remarrying.
• Ethical arguments related to divorce, including those based on the sanctity of marriage vows and compassion.

When learning about religion and life they will focus on the following:

• Abortion
• Euthanasia
• The origins of the universe, including:
  • religious teachings about the origins of the universe, and different interpretations of these
  • the relationship between scientific views, such as the Big Bang theory, and religious views.
  • The value of the world and the duty of human beings to protect it, including religious teaching about stewardship, dominion, responsibility, awe and wonder.
  • The use and abuse of the environment, including the use of natural resources, pollution.
  • The use and abuse of animals, including:
  • animal experimentation
  • the use of animals for food.

When learning about peace, conflict, crime an punishment they will focus on the following:

The meaning and significance of:

• peace
• justice
• forgiveness
• reconciliation.
• violence, including violent protest.
• terrorism.
• reasons for war, including greed, self-defence and retaliation.
• the just war theory, including the criteria for a just war.
• holy war.
• pacifism.

Additional information

Students will be challenged with questions about belief, values, meaning, purpose and truth, enabling them to develop their own attitudes towards religious issues.

Students will also gain an appreciation of how religion, philosophy and ethics form the basis of our culture. They will develop analytical and critical thinking skills, the ability to work with abstract ideas, leadership and research skills. All these skills will help prepare them for further study.

Assessment

Assessment

100% examination (two exams)

Subject Video