Religious Studies

5 GCSE grades 9 to 4 including a 6 grade in Religious Studies

The course is split into three main components.

Philosophy of Religion:

• Ancient philosophical influences
• Arguments about the existence or nonexistence of God
• The nature and impact of religious experience
• The challenge for religious belief of the problem of evil
• The nature of the soul, mind and body
• The possibility of life after death
• Ideas about the nature of God
• Issues in religious language

Religion and Ethics:

• Normative ethical theories
• The application of ethical theory to two
• Contemporary issues of importance ethical language and thought:
• Debates surrounding the significant ideas of conscience and free will
• The influence on ethical thought of developments in religious beliefs and the philosophy of religion

Developments in religious thought:

• Religious beliefs, values and teachings, their interconnections and how they vary historically and in the contemporary world
• Sources of religious wisdom and authority
• Practices which shape and express religious identity, and how these vary within a tradition
• Significant social and historical developments in theology and religious thought
• Key themes related to the relationship between religion and society

There are three written exams at A-Level, with each paper taking 2 hours. Each paper is weighed at 33.3% of the total grade. The papers are: Philosophy of Religion, Religion and Ethics, and Developments in Religious Thoughts. Each paper totals 120 marks and students will answer three questions from a choice of five.

Religious Studies at A Level is one of the most exciting, inspiring and challenging subjects available. No other subject covers such varied thoughts, ideas and theories from so many inspiring people throughout history. At Samuel Ryder, we want to inspire students to engage in topical issues and acquire knowledge and a critical understanding of major issues that are relevant to learners in the 21st century. The Religious Studies course at Samuel Ryder will be taught by a Philosophy and Ethics specialist with good experience of enabling students to get superb grades and progress to universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and Durham.

There will never be a dull moment in lessons as new ideas and theories are presented, explored, debated and developed.

There is an expectation that students will be committed to the course, interested in the subject matter, and willing to work hard. As the subject is an essay based subject, students should possess a love for writing and critically examining theories as well as developing their own personal opinion.

Students will be expected to be reliable, motivated independent learners who will always be looking to go above and beyond with their work. There is a required reading list for the course, and so a love for engaging with written texts and using key sources in essays will be essential.

Lessons will consist of discussing, debating and ensuring understanding of key theories and so an ability to work quickly individually and in groups is important, as well as being able to understand different points of view.

There are a variety of career paths for students who choose Philosophy and Ethics at A-Level. The Russell Group of top universities has made it clear that Religious Studies A level provides ‘suitable preparation for University generally’. As the subject explores different theories and builds up skills in critically examining and applying them, there is a wealth of jobs where this would be important. Just a few of the jobs that students who have studied the subject move on to, include: journalism, lawyers, social workers, teachers, politicians, fashion designers and photography.

An application form can be obtained from the Head of Sixth From h.potter@samuelryderacademy.co.uk. Once your application has been processed you will be invited to discuss your subject choices with the Head of Sixth Form.