Religious Studies

Religious beliefs and practices continue to play an essential part in today’s world. A clear understanding of them can help us to better comprehend the world around us, its possible futures as much as its past.

WHAT IS GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES?

This course comprises two Units.

Each unit is examined through one paper of 1 hour and 30 minutes in the summer.

Unit 1 – Religious Expression in Society:

We look at how spirituality and religious beliefs can be expressed in different forms and how people are inspired to create: Art; Architecture; Media; Contemporary Society; Music; and Literature.

Unit 2 – Religion and Morality:

We study the moral behaviour in today’s society, looking at how people make moral decisions in everyday life, usually following certain principles based on a religious belief:

• Matters of Life (genetics, transplants, cloning, fertility)
• Crime and Punishment
• The Elderly and Death (Euthanasia)
• Drug Abuse
• Rich and Poor in British Society
• World Poverty

These studies will help you develop important skills; thinking about the ultimate questions in life; learning how to empathise with the views of others, and asking questions about truth and the meaning of life.

We also offer Unit 1 ‘Religious Expression in Society’ as a stand -alone Short Course, also completed in one year.