Religious Studies (Edexcel Pearson)

‘An unexamined life is not worth living’ –Socrates

Religious Studies allows students to explore what it means to be human and the influence of religions on individuals, cultures, societies and communities. It allows students to consider their own values and spiritual development and explore the fundamental questions of what it means to be human.

Advantages Of Studying Religious Studies:

Lack of good religious education leaves pupils at risk BBC News 16.2.18

  • Religious Studies equips students to deal with a rapidly changing global world
  • It provides students with accurate and balanced information about the array of different world views that make up modern Britain.
  • Stereotypes and prejudices can be challenged and discussed in a safe and sensitive way
  • Students can be given tools that allow them to be able to differentiate between reliable and reputable sources in the wide array of media to help them identify which sources are more likely to lead to religious hatred.
  • Religious Education is highly regarded subject at A Level. Possible career paths include medicine, journalism, civil service, teaching, museum and curator careers to name a few.

Subject Overview

Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion
Philosophical issues and questions; The nature and influence of religious experience; Problems of evil and suffering; Philosophical language; Works of scholars; Influences of developments in religious belief.

Paper 2: Religion and Ethics
Significant concepts in issues or debates in religion and ethics; A study of three ethical theories to include Utilitarianism, Situation Ethics and Natural Moral Law; Application of ethical theories to issues of importance, including sexual ethics and war and peace; Ethical language; Deontology, Virtue Ethics and the works of scholars; Medical ethics: beginning and end of life issues.

Paper 4: Study of Religion – Christianity
Religious beliefs, values and teachings; Sources of wisdom and authority; Practices that shape and express religious identity; Social and historical developments; Works of scholars; Religion and society; Primary texts.

Assessment:
This is a linear course. All three papers are externally assessed written examinations. Each paper lasts 2 hours and contributes 33.3% of the A Level.

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Five GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, including a Grade 5 in Religious Studies or Grade 5 in English Language if Religious Studies not taken at GCSE.

Exam Board

Edexcel Pearson

Most Able Opportunities/Support
What are the opportunities for Most Able students in particular?

Our A Level students attend conferences whenever possible, most recently at Wellington School in Somerset.
We enter art and poetry national competitions and encourage all students to take their studies further by providing extended reading lists and on-line courses for further challenge.

Special Educational Needs and Disability Opportunities/Support

  • High-quality teaching
  • Differentiated work and assessment with scaffolding to support students
  • Personalised w/sheet if needed
  • Seating plan to suit needs and abilities
  • Exam Access Arrangements with extra time for KS5
  • Additional intervention and support

Staff list

  • Susan Nurse
  • Niel Apps
  • Eleanor Delaney

Useful revision website links:

Updated Sept 2020