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Years 7 and 8

In Years 7 & 8, Religious Studies is delivered as part of the Personal Development Curriculum. Students focus on how religious believers live out their faith in modern society through the study of the natural world, journeys and the challenges of the future, especially from scientific advances. Students are encouraged to take an active part in their learning as well as having opportunities to reflect on their own beliefs.

Year 9

Religious Studies is also delivered through Personal Learning in Year 9. Students will explore the concept of faith and how religious believers respond to animal rights, abortion and wealth and poverty. Students have opportunities to work in small groups, as well as individually, and are encouraged to take an active part in the lessons. We also allow time for students to consider their own responses to the challenges of the modern world.

GCSE

At GCSE level, the focus is on philosophy and ethics. Students follow the AQA exam specification which is two modules each worth 50% of the final mark. The first exam is completed in June of Year Ten with the remaining exam in June of Year Eleven. There is no coursework element.

In Year Ten, students study the first module of the course called “Religion and Morality” exploring philosophical and religious responses to matters of life, the elderly and death, drug abuse, crime and punishment, rich and poor in British society and world poverty.

In Year Eleven, students study the second module called “Religious Philosophy and Ultimate Questions”. We explore the existence of God, revelation, the problem of evil and suffering, immortality, miracle and the relationship between science and religion.

AS and A Level

Religious Studies: Students follow the AQA exam specification and complete two units in each year. The content includes ethical theory, religion, art and the media, the relationship between religion and contemporary society and religious fundamentalism. The lessons consist of seminars, ICT research and the use of audio-visual resources as well as the more traditional lecture style of delivery. As the assessment is written based, students are expected to complete essays, both at home and in timed conditions in school, on a regular basis.

Philosophy: Students follow the AQA exam specification and complete two units in each year. The content includes Reason and Experience, The Idea of God, Tolerance, God and the World, Political Philosophy, Moral Philosophy and the study of a key philosophical text. The lessons consist of seminars, ICT research and the use of audio-visual resources as well as the more traditional lecture style of delivery. As the assessment is written based, students are expected to complete essays, both at home and in timed conditions in school, on a regular basis.