Religious Studies challenges people to think deeply about some of the most profound questions in life. It is an academic and demanding course, in which discussion plays an essential role. The A Level course promotes independent critical thought and the ability to construct arguments. It encourages students to develop an awareness of different ways of understanding the world as well as a deeper understanding of their own views and opinions. Religious Studies appeals to individuals who are inquisitive and willing to challenge their own attitudes and beliefs, as well as those of others.
A minimum of five GCSEs (with two at grade 6 and three at grade 4).
GCSE English Language at grade 5 and a G-Score of 5.0 is also required.
Students can follow a variety of paths including degrees courses, employment or an apprenticeship. A qualification in Religious Studies can lead to a wide range of careers including working in the media, law, medicine, journalism, social work and teaching.
The Philosophy of Religion unit studies some of the classic arguments which attempt to prove the existence of God together with the philosophical challenges to these arguments. We will also consider the challenges to religious belief posed by psychology and science.
The Ethics unit asks questions about what makes a right thing right and a wrong thing wrong. It asks whether there are absolute rules which we should always follow, or should we be more concerned about the consequences of our actions? We also get to grips with some of the most pertinent ethical issues raised by euthanasia, business ethics and the nature of the conscience.
The Developments in Christian thought unit looks at how the religion began and its key beliefs such as the Trinity and life after death. It looks at new aspects of Christianity such as Feminist theology, Liberation theology and the Challenge of Secularism. It also considers the material in the Bible and asks where it came from and what status it has.
Assessment
Examination 100%
The course is 100% exam based, therefore there is no coursework/assignments involved when studying the course.
Exam Board
OCR.
