KS4 Religious Studies

In Years 10-11 all students study GCSE Religious Studies.  The course studies Christian and Jewish beliefs and teachings and how these are expressed in lifestyle, worship and organisation. We also study a variety of moral issues and religious and non-religious responses to them, opening opportunity for students to engage in philosophical and ethical thinking and to formulate and share their own opinions.

 

What is Religious Studies?

A GCSE in Religious Studies gives candidates the opportunity to explore the moral, social and religious dimensions of their own lives and the lives of others. The course, whilst respectful of all points of view, offers a clear study of Catholic Christianity and Judaism, as a second religion, studied in Paper 2.

The course studies Christian and Jewish beliefs and teachings and how these are expressed in lifestyle, worship and organisation. We also study a variety of moral issues and religious and nonreligious responses to them, opening opportunity for students to engage in philosophical and ethical thinking and to formulate and share their own opinions.

 

How is the subject taught?

Religious Studies is taught in mixed ability groups. Pupils are expected to be active and engaged in their learning and are encouraged to participate in discussion and debate. As a literacy-based subject, focus is placed on developing coherent written work, with the inclusion of rich vocabulary and personal appraisal.

The course is designed to help all students to:

• Develop a wider awareness of religious and moral beliefs and practices
• Explore faith
• Understand the importance of being a responsible citizen in a multi-ethnic and multi-faith society
• Develop confidence and be self-regulated in their studies
• Gain a GCSE in Religious Studies

	Year 10	Year 11
Aut.1	GCSE Paper 1: Chapter 1:Catholic Christianity	RS GCSE Paper 1: Section 6 Eschatology
Aut.2	RS GCSE Paper 1: Chapter 2: Incarnation	RS GCSE Paper 2: Philosophy and Ethics Theme B: Religion, peace and conflict Mock preparation: Retrieval and revision: Papers 1and 2 Judaism Beliefs, teachings and practices
Spr.1	RS GCSE Paper 1: Chapter 3: The Triune God	RS GCSE Paper 2: Philosophy and Ethics Theme C Religion, human rights and social justice
Spr.2	RS GCSE Paper 1: Chapter 4: Redemption	RS GCSE paper 2: Philosophy and Ethics Theme C Religion, human rights and social justice
Sum.1	RS GCSE Paper 1:	Retrieval and revision: Papers 1 and 2
Sum.2	RS GCSE Paper 1: Chapter 5: The Church and the Kingdom of God	Exam Season: Retrieval and revision: Papers 1 and 2

 

How is the subject assessed?

Religious Studies is assessed by three papers which are taken at the end of Year 11 

Paper 1: Study of Catholic Christianity (1 hour 45minutes).

Paper 2: Study of Judaism Beliefs and Practices and Themes B and C (1 hour 45minutes).

 

 

Why is RE a compulsory GCSE?

St Mary’s is a school founded on Christ being at the heart of all our subjects.

We complete the AQA RS GCSE Catholic Christianity Paper to provide us all with the opportunity to explore Catholic beliefs and practices and to consider where our own faith fits within the religion. As a faith school, we believe that it is our duty to enable all students to learn about the beliefs and practices of Catholicism and to provide a place for deeper understanding and growth in personal faith. The GCSE course also covers the study of Judaism and Ethics, enabling students to gain a wider understanding of the world around them.

 

Is it okay not to be a Catholic or to be an atheist or agnostic in RS lessons at St Mary’s?

St Mary’s is a diverse school with students from Catholic, non-Catholic Christian denominations, other world religions and of no religious belief. All students and staff are cared for and valued equally. In studying RE GCSE there is opportunity for students to explore and share their own beliefs and views, whether religious or not, in a forum that is respectful of others. The course requires you to look at religious and ethical issues from a range of religious and non-religious perspectives and to be able to appraise and engage with the material.

 

What A-Level subjects does RS GCSE complement in content?

The wonderful thing about studying RE is that you soon realise how much it overlaps with other subjects. In addition to A level Religious Studies, as an essay-based subject, RE complements subjects such as History and English. In Year 11, the RE GCSE course covers aspects of philosophy, ethics and sociology and is therefore beneficial as a foundation to these A-Level subjects.

 

Career Options

As a social subject, RE explores how people live and how faith affects their everyday lives. Being conscious and respectful of diversity is the bedrock of a multi-cultural and multi-faith society and the essential starting point of all employment. Students who go on to study religious studies at degree level may pursue professional and graduate programmes, and eventually careers in various areas including education, journalism, sociology, law, social work, the charity sector, and medicine.

You can watch a great series of videos of young people who are working in jobs that use Religious Studies on the BBC Bitesize website.

For examples of careers leading from this subject, click here.