Year 9 Options Evening - Religious Studies
Introduction
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“Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion- Dalai Lama”
Religious studies show us what people believe and how religion, culture and personal beliefs impact every aspect of life. Understanding religions can help us to make sense of the world and understand other people’s points of view, the decisions they make and how you can reflect on your own personal views in a safe environment through a balanced study of the religions and beliefs in our country.
Through studying this subject, you will be challenged by provoking questions about meaning and purpose in life, beliefs about God, reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human. Whilst developing an in-depth understanding of two major religions, you will study key moral and ethical issues through a variety of religious and non-religious perspectives to prepare you for understanding the complex world around us and into the future.
By working through this GCSE you will be equipped with life-long knowledge in understanding major issues locally, nationally and global and key employability skills through developing your analytical and problem solving skills, learn to advocate for others and speak on someone’s behalf, you will also develop empathy and compassion for the people of the world and also demonstrate the very meaning of tolerance.
Course Details
At GCSE, learners will study a range of religious studies concepts through AQA. Through this study you will cover:
The Religion of Christianity, and one other major world and UK religion, the origins of their beliefs, their views on the afterlife and how their practice takes place in the modern world. Through understanding these two religions you will explore four areas of study to apply religious and non-religious viewpoints and you will learn about:
Religion and life- The study of life and death, abortion and the laws that surround it, euthanasia and key dilemmas surround end of life care, alongside religious and scientific disputes about the origins of the universe, medicine, animal welfare and the environment.
Crime and punishment- The study of how different religions perceive the treatment of criminals and how they are punished including the use of the death penalty across the world. You will also study why people commit evil acts, commit crimes and whether laws are justly.
Peace and conflict- This unit will consider the religious viewpoints on justifications for war and conflict, attitudes towards nuclear war and disarmament, alongside modern understanding of terrorism and holy wars.
Human rights and social justice- You will explore religious and none religious viewpoints on prejudice, discrimination, racism and the global conversations on human rights. You will understand the impact of homelessness, poverty, wealth and inequalities in regards to money. This will also include religious viewpoints on how people cope with poverty, human trafficking and the work of charities.
Progression beyond GCSE
Your next steps from a GCSE in religious studies will include A level Religious Studies but will also give you access to a wide range of further education courses including Degree courses in: Theology, Philosophy, Law, Psychology and Sociology.
You will develop a wide range of skills and knowledge through Religious Studies some of which will include:
Analytical skills suitable for all jobs and future courses that require problem solving and decision making supported and evidenced through key essay writing skills suitable for report writing in future employment.
Advocacy and communication skills suitable for a range of courses but ideal for those interested in a legal profession, teaching, working in health or social care or any course or career where you will need to undertake presentations and hold meetings.
Tolerance and cultural awareness skills will be crucial to all courses and careers in the future to assist you with the skills needed to understand others.
Key knowledge in modern day Religions, culture and social issues which will be suitable for all course subjects and careers in your future.
Where will the course take you?
Religious Studies GCSE is suitable for further study into further education courses such as Religious Studies A levels, Degree level courses in Philosophy, Politics, Ethics, History, Science, Law and many others.
Religious Studies is also recognised as a key course that offers “suitable preparation for university generally” with 1 in 5 Cambridge Maths graduates holding a previous Religious Studies qualification indicating the respect and utility of a GCSE in Religious Studies for any course you wish to study in the future.
From the list of employable skills and experience the below is a list of careers that would be ideal following your study of RE:
Religious leader, Teacher, Police officer, Doctor, Solicitor, Barrister, Human Resources manager, Wedding and public service officiator, Journalist, youth and community worker and a range of other public services jobs for example working in local government and local authorities, patient advocacy services in the NHS or in Social Services.
Course structure and assessment
Religious studies GCSE is taught through the AQA exam board and has the following linear structure whereby you will sit two 1 hour 45 minute exams at the end of the two year course.
Paper 1: The study of beliefs, teachings and practices of two major UK religions:
Paper 2: Thematic studies of the following four religious, philosophical and ethical topics:
- Religion and life
- Religion, Crime and Punishment
- Religion, Peace and Conflict
- Religion, Human Rights and Social Justice
Further information
- Curriculum Leader (Humanities): Mr S Glover - glover.s@whiteroseacademies.org
- Teacher of Religious Education: Mrs Shafiq - shafiq.b@whiteroseacademies.org
- Online links to resources or course documents:
Leeds Standing Advisory council on Religious Education
GCSE Religious Education GCSE POD
GCSE BBC Bitesize Religious studies
Student room resource and revision support