Religious Education

Why do I have to study Religious Education?

At KS4, Years 9 to 11,  all students follow a course in GCSE  Religious Studies. In GCSE Religious Studies students learn about different beliefs, practices, values and traditions from the perspective of Christianity and Islam.

The Religious Studies GCSE provides an excellent opportunity for students to engage with contemporary contentious issues as well as developing social, cultural, political, philosophical and historical awareness. As a subject, it enables the development of critical thinking, communication competence, interpersonal awareness, and intercultural literacy - necessary for success in a multicultural society.

How will I be examined?

• Component 1/Paper 1 - Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World: 2hr written examination, worth 50% of qualification. 
• Component 2/Paper 2 - Study of Christianity: 1hr written examination, worth 25% of qualification.
• Component 3/Paper 3 - Study of a World Faith, Islam: 1hr written examination, worth 25% of qualification.

What will I study?

The course consists of three components.

• Component 1 consists of studying the themes below from a Christian perspective:
  • Theme 1: Issues of relationships 
  • Theme 2: Issues of life and death 
  • Theme 3: Issues of good and evil 
  • Theme 4: Issues of human rights.
• Component 2 consists of studying:
  • Christian beliefs, teachings and practices.
• Component 3 consists of studying: 
  • World faith: Islam beliefs, teachings and practices.

Recommended text books, additional reading and online resources

• Students follow GCSE (9 - 1) Eduqas (formerly known as WJEC) Religious Studies Route A. Details of this specification can be found at: http://www.eduqas.co.uk/ qualifications/religious-studies/gcse/
• Eduqas GCSE (9 – 1) WJEC Religious Studies Route A by Joy White, Chris Owens, Ed Pawson, Amanda Ridley

Department contact:

Nozrul Hussain, Head of Religious Studies