Religious Studies - Mr S Metson -
(Curriculum leader: Religious Studies and Citizenship)
Ms R Magill – Subject teacher
What is Religious Studies about?
Religious Studies addresses a variety of topics and issues relevant to society today. Skills such as critical thinking, evaluation, understanding and empathy are developed during the course. Both religious and non-religious ideas are explored and you will learn to form and express your own opinions whilst evaluating the views of others.
What will I study?
The course is comprised of two units:
Religion and Life
- Faith in practice and why some people believe in God and some people don’t
- Why some people believe in life after death and some people don’t
- Different attitudes to abortion, euthanasia, sex, marriage, family life and divorce
- Different attitudes to homosexuality
- Religion and community cohesion in a multi-faith society
Religion and Society
- Different ways in which Christians make moral decisions, the influence of religion in our society
- Different attitudes to human rights, genetic engineering, environmental problems, transplant surgery, infertility treatments and how to deal with bullying,
- The study of wars around the world and the work of the UN for world peace
- The need for Law and Justice
- Attitudes to Crime and Punishment including the Death Penalty
How will I be assessed?
- There will be two one hour and thirty minute examinations at the end of year 11.
- Each paper will count for 50% of your overall grade in Religious Studies
What might the lessons involve?
A variety of tasks and activities including written reports, exam style practice, group work, presentations, video clips, heated discussions about different moral issues and religious beliefs, talks from guest speakers.
Why should I take Religious Studies?
Religious Studies is an excellent preparation for A levels in the Humanities and Social Sciences (including RS, Philosophy & Ethics, Law, Sociology, Psychology, History and English. It is a highly regarded subject because GCSE Religious Studies allows you to show respect for other cultures and beliefs and construct and develop a convincing argument. These are skills which are vital in further education and for employment. Religious Studies is not about making you ‘religious’, it is about enabling you to think for yourself about religious and moral issues.
"My religion is simple, my religion is kindness” Dalai Lama
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase” Martin Luther King