Religious Education

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOpJAzSA8gk

An introduction to the course

This GCSE course looks at the big questions of life and how to apply theories and religious beliefs to everyday life. For example, what do the words evil and suffering mean to you? How should we treat the planet? What do we mean by miracles? Should religion be able to censor the media? If these topics and those listed below interest you, Religious Education is probably for you.

What the course involves

The units available on the course, from which two will be chosen, are as follows:

Paper 1:

  • Question 1 (Christianity) and Question 5 (Islam). The questions will be both on beliefs and practices.

Paper 2:

  • Theme A: Relationships and families
  • Theme B: Religion and Life
  • Theme E: Religion, Crime and Punishment
  • Theme F: Religion, human rights and social justice

You get marks for showing your understanding of view and practices (and the thinking behind them). Also for expressing your own view with reasons.

Being able to think, talk and write about the issues studied gives you a great background to many other subjects, and the skills you will use, such as considering the views of others, are applicable in lots of other areas of study. Philosophy and Ethics can help you understand other people better, and help form your thinking on many topics that could affect your life.

How the course is assessed

The course is:

  • Paper 1 is 1 hour 45 minutes which you will sit at the end of Year 11. You answer Question 1 (Christianity) and Question 5 (Islam). The questions will be on both beliefs and practices. You are advised to spend 50 minutes on each religion.
  • Paper 2 is also 1 hour 45 minutes which you will sit at the end of Year 11. You will answer only four questions/themes on: Relationships and families; Religion and Life; Religion, Crime and Punishment and Religion, Human Rights and Social Justice. You are advised to spend 25 minutes on each theme.

Career Opportunities

Many possibilities:

  • Armed forces
  • Charity work
  • Business & management
  • Childcare
  • Health & Social Care
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Medicine
  • Police
  • Social worker

Post-16 opportunities

After you have finished this course you may want to go on to further study, such as A levels.

Required resources/equipment for the course

A healthy interest in the topics, and enjoyment of debate and discussion; being open-minded is essential.

Link to the exam board and syllabus:  https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-a-8062 

For further information contact:

Mrs Ghatora (Head of RE)