Religious Studies
Why study Religious Studies?
'The unexamined life is not worth living' Socrates
Does God exist? How was the world created? Why is there evil and suffering in the world? When does human life begin? Are there any moral absolutes? Is there such a thing as life after death? Religious Studies examines some of the biggest questions in the universe!
In Religious Studies students are encouraged to adopt an open, enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion. They are provided with the opportunity to explore religious beliefs, reflect on fundamental questions and respond personally, using reasoned arguments supported by a range of evidence. As a result, Religious Studies enhances a student’s personal, social and moral education. At all times students are encouraged to be open-minded, tolerant and respectful of beliefs different from their own.
Which specification is followed?
All students at Key Stage 3 follow a course in Religious Studies which examines each of the six major world faiths (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism), as well as exploring themes across the range of religions, such as rites of passage, and the role of women in religion.
Religious Studies is a popular option choice at both GCSE and Advanced Level, and students achieve highly in public examinations.
GCSE Students follow OCR B, Philosophy and Applied Ethics. The course comprises four units, each examined by a one hour written paper equalling 25% of the total GCSE mark.
The focus on Philosophy of Religion and Religious Ethics is continued at A-level, where students follow the AQA specification.
Workshops, conferences & visits
Students' learning is enriched by activities such as:
- participation in NATRE’s ‘Spirited Arts’ competition
- attendance at Manchester University lectures by AS and A2 students, and attendance at consolidation and revision workshops.
- department run workshops, to discuss issues such as medical ethics, available to students who may not have opted to take Religious Studies at examination level, but for whom an understanding of applied ethics would be of benefit eg potential medical students.
Degree and career choices
Our Religious Studies students have gone on to study a diverse range of subjects, from Philosophy and Theology to Politics, Medicine and Law, at various universities –including Oxbridge and Durham. The analytic and evaluative skills which are central to the work in Religious Studies can be applied to all professions and areas of life.