Religious Education GCSE
This course is designed to help students develop their understanding of religious beliefs, teachings and sources of wisdom whilst exploring and developing their own beliefs and spiritual and moral purpose in life.
Students will develop their ability to construct well-argued, well-informed, balanced and structured spoken and written arguments, demonstrating their depth and breadth of understanding of the subject. They will reflect on and develop their own values and attitudes in the light of what they have learnt and contribute to their preparation for adult life in a pluralistic society and global community.
This course is divided into two main sections:
Component 1:
The study of religious beliefs studies and practices of two major religions consisting of a core study of Christianity alongside a chosen religion from the following options of: Buddhism; Judaism; Islam; Sikhism or Hinduism.
Component 2:
The study of four religious, philosophical and ethical studies from the following themes: Relationships and families; Religion and life; The existence of God and revelation; Religion, peace and conflict; Religion, crime and punishment or religion, human rights and social justice.
This will allow students to demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge and understanding of two religions with the key sources of wisdom and authority including scripture and/or sacred texts, where appropriate, which support contemporary religious faith. They will also understand the influence of religion on individuals, communities and societies and explore the significant common and divergent views between and/or within religions and beliefs.
They will develop the skills to be able to apply the knowledge and understanding to analyse questions related to religious beliefs and values whilst constructing well-informed and balanced arguments on matters concerned with religious beliefs and values set out in their religions of choice.