What is our curriculum intent?

Religious Studies students are challenged to understand, analyse, interpret and evaluate both religious and non-religious world views, using these ideas to explore the connections between various belief systems and moral issues people face in life.

Students will explore the views of believers in two world religions and ethical issues such as capital punishment, animal rights, sex before marriage and euthanasia; students should apply argumentation, opinion and religious teachings to complex debate questions.

How do we implement our curriculum?

For those students who opt for Religious Studies as one of their Key Stage 4 Course Choices, the course develops their knowledge and understanding from the KS3 curriculum. Examinations are taken at the end of Year 11; there is no coursework element to this qualification

Subject content & Assessment

Students must take assessments in the following two components:

Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices

Beliefs and practices of Christianity and Islam or Buddhism

• Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 100 marks/50% of GCSE
• Multiple choice/small debate questions/contrast questions/extended discussion questions

Component 2: Thematic studies

Religious, philosophical and ethical studies themes in the two faiths studied.
Relationships and families: marriage, divorce, homosexuality, contraception, gender roles
Religion and life: origins of life, abortion, euthanasia, environmental issues
Religion, peace and conflict: nuclear weapons, holy war, pacifism, modern conflicts
Religion, crime and punishment: prisons, the death penalty, forgiveness

• Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 100 marks /50% of GCSE
• Multiple choice/small debate questions/contrast questions/extended discussion questions

The aim of these two units is to enable students to address fundamental questions about the basis for religious beliefs and behaviour and to investigate ways in which religious beliefs and values are relevant to specific moral issues and behaviour.

What we teach when

Year 10

Year 11

How do we measure the impact of the course during Year 10 and 11?

Students will consolidate knowledge and understanding through the use of regular assessment and homework.

The examination board specification can be found at:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-a-8062

Contact

Mr J Mayhew - jmayhew@wilmslowhigh.com

 Curriculum Team Leader, Social Studies