Religious Studies

Aims of the subject

The aims of Religious Education at The Deanery Church of England High School and Sixth Form College are informed by the Statement of Entitlement for Religious Education, which are:

• to enable students to encounter Christianity as the religion that shaped British culture and heritage and influences the lives of millions of people today.
• to enable students to learn about other major religions, their impact on culture and politics, art, and history, and on the lives of their adherents.
• to develop understanding of religious faith as the search for and expression of truth.
• to contribute to the development of students’ own spiritual/philosophical convictions, exploring and enriching their own faith and beliefs.

The importance of Religious Education

Religious Education provokes challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human.

It develops students’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity, other principal religions, other religious traditions, and other worldviews that offer answers to the ultimate questions. It offers opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development. It enhances students’ awareness and understanding of religions and beliefs, teachings, practices, and forms of expression, as well as the influence and impact of religion on individuals, families, communities, and cultures.

GCSE Examination Board:  AQA

Assessment:

Paper 1: The Study of Religion

Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, 96 marks plus 6 SpaG marks

50% of GCSE

You must study four compulsory units:

• Unit 1: Christianity – Beliefs and Teachings
• Unit 2: Christianity – Practices
• Unit 3: Islam – Beliefs and Teachings
• Unit 4: Islam – Practices

Paper 2: Thematic Studies

Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, 96 marks plus 3 SpaG marks

50% of GCSE

You must study four of the six themes:

• Theme A: Relationships and Families
• Theme B: Religion and Life
• Theme C: The Existence of God and Revelation
• Theme D: Religion, Peace and Conflict
• Theme E: Religion, Crime and Punishment
• Theme F: Religion, Human Rights and Social Justice

Extra-curricular opportunities

Revision sessions are available to all students. Please see the revision timetable when published for further information.

How you can support your child’s progress

Encourage your child to talk about the topics that they have been studying in their GCSE Religious Studies lessons and ask them questions. Discussion and appreciating different points of view are a key skill in the subject.

Pupils will be set regular revision homework, including learning keywords and completing revision exercises and exam-style questions

We strongly recommend you purchase a revision guide for the AQA GCSE Religious Studies course. We suggest the Oxford AQA GCSE Religious Studies A: Christianity and Islam Revision Guide. This book is available at a reduced price compared to RRP when purchased through the school.