Religious Studies

Our Religious Studies curriculum aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of different religious traditions, beliefs, and practices. It seeks to promote tolerance, respect, and open-mindedness, while encouraging critical thinking and reflection. The curriculum intends to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage with religious and ethical issues in a globalized world, fostering empathy and understanding among diverse communities. By studying Religious Studies, students will develop an awareness of the role religion plays in society and its impact on individuals and communities. We seek to teach students about major world religions, their beliefs, rituals, and teachings, while exploring their historical development, cultural significance, and impact on personal identity, social cohesion, and global affairs. It promotes understanding of diverse religious and non-religious perspectives and encourages critical thinking, questioning, and interpretation of religious texts, practices, and beliefs, as well as fostering logical reasoning and reflection on personal beliefs and values. The curriculum also emphasises respect, empathy, and open-mindedness towards different religious backgrounds, challenging stereotypes, promoting inclusivity, and understanding religion's role in fostering social cohesion and addressing global challenges. It further explores ethical issues from religious and secular viewpoints, develops ethical reasoning, and encourages responsible engagement with the community and the environment.

By following this curriculum intent, we aim to provide a Religious Studies education that is inclusive, intellectually challenging, and relevant to the lives of our students. We believe that an informed understanding of religious and ethical issues will enable them to become responsible global citizens, equipped to navigate a diverse and interconnected world.

Exam Board

WJEC Eduqas

Course Title and Syllabus

Religious Studies, Route A

Details of Papers

Paper/Component 1: Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World

This paper consists of four main themes, including issues with relationships, life and death, good and evil and human rights, The exam will ask 4 questions for each sections, each worth 30 marks, with an additional 6 awarded for spelling, punctuation and grammar.

This paper is a 2-hour written exam and is worth 50% of the GCSE.

Paper/Component 2: Study of Christianity

This consists of two sections, each worth 30 marks. The first is Christian beliefs and teachings. The second is Christian practices. An additional 6 marks are awarded for spelling, punctuation and grammar.

This paper is a 1-hour written worth 25% of the GCSE.

Paper/Component 3: Study of a World Faith (Islam)

This consists of two sections, each worth 30 marks. The first is Muslim beliefs and teachings. The second is Muslim practices. An additional 6 marks are awarded for spelling, punctuation and grammar.

This paper is a 1-hour written worth 25% of the GCSE.

Overview

Year Term Topic(s)
Year 7 Autumn

How do people gain their identity?

Spring

What do Hindus believe and practice?

Summer

Why is community cohesion important?

Year 8 Autumn

Who is Jesus Christ?

Spring

How do people respond to environmental issues?

Summer

Who has made a difference in the world?

Year 9 Autumn

Why do we remember?

Spring

Is it wrong to be rich?

Summer

Islamic Beliefs (GCSE)

Year 10 Autumn

Islamic Practices

Christian Beliefs

Spring

Christian Practices

Theme 4: Human Rights

Summer

Revision and Exams

Theme 4: Human Rights

Year 11 Autumn

Theme 3: Good and Evil

Theme 2: Life and Death

Spring

Theme 1: Relationships

Revision

Summer

Revision and Exams