Subject Overview
The course ensures students have a thorough understanding of diverse philosophical and ethical viewpoints, and a deep understanding of different Christian beliefs about key ideas, practices and twenty-first century issues. 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 which helps students develop critical thinking as they engage in classroom discussion about different theories and viewpoints.
Entry Criteria
You must have at least a grade 5 in GCSE Religious Studies and a grade 5 minimum in English Language.
Syllabus (Course Outline and Structure)
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 (Christianity)
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.
Specification
Complementary Subject Combinations and Enrichment Activities
A level Religious Studies complements the humanities subjects (Geography, History, Sociology), Law, English Language and English Literature. Students who wish to study Philosophy or Theology at University are highly recommended to study Religious Studies.
Subject Resources
Other Information
Why study A level 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 rigor 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 Ms Whittock, Curriculum Leader for any further information.