The course offers a choice of different religions, ensuring students have a thorough understanding of diverse philosophical and ethical viewpoints. Students gain critical and evaluative skills sought by higher education and employers – particularly in law, education, social work, politics, medicine, administration and the media. Religious studies is a thought provoking subject and our contemporary themes will help you become engaged in classroom discussion.
You must have at least a grade 5 in GCSE Religious Studies and a grade 5 minimum in English Language.
AQA exam board
Paper One – 3 hours worth 50% of A level Religious Studies. Paper one has the following topics:
Section A: Philosophy of religion
Section B: Ethics and religion
Paper Two – 3 hours worth 50% of A level Religious Studies. Paper Two will cover the following:
Section A: Study of religion
Section B: The dialogue between philosophy of religion and religion.
How religion is influenced by, and has an influence on philosophy of religion in relation to the issues studied.
Section C: The dialogue between ethical studies and religion.
How religion is influenced by, and has an influence on ethical studies in relation to the issues studied.
There will be opportunities for students to visit various places of worship and to meet people from different cultural and religious backgrounds. This may require payments towards travel costs.
A level Religious Studies compliments the humanities subjects (Geography, History, Sociology), Law and English Language. Students who wish to study Philosophy or Theology at University are highly recommended to study Religious Studies.
The contextual evidence demonstrates the status of Religious Studies as an A level for Higher Education entry. The Russell Group of top universities has made it clear that RS A level provides ‘suitable preparation for University generally’. Feedback from admissions administrators from Oxford University and Cambridge University shows that Religious Studies is accepted as an A level with academic rigour and useful for many Arts degree courses. Research has shown the range of degree courses that were taken up by students who took Religious Studies as one of their A levels.
Please speak to Mr Haston, Curriculum Leader for any further information.