RELIGIOUS STUDIES GCSE

Examination Board                EDEXCEL

Assessment         Two written examination papers worth 100%

Why is it Useful?

Religious Studies is vital because it is about you, your life and the issues you face in a multi- faith, multi-ethnic society. It will develop your skills in communication, working with others, problem solving and improving your own learning. It will also encourage you to make decisions about moral issues and help you to become sure about your own beliefs and able to explain them clearly to others. Many employers view a qualification in Religious Studies as important because it helps us to mix with and understand a variety of people.

During the course you will study..

In Year 10: Religion and Life. You will study Christianity and at least one other religion: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism or Sikhism.

Topic areas include:
• Believing in God: why people believe, the problem of evil and suffering.
• Matters of life and death: belief in life after death, abortion and euthanasia.
• Social harmony: sexism and racism.
• Marriage and the family: religious beliefs about the importance of the family.

In Year 11: Religion and Society. Topic areas include:
• Religion, peace and conflict: religious attitudes to bullying and war.
• Religion, crime and punishment: capital punishment and the nature of law.
• Religion and medical issues: genetic engineering, organ transplantation and fertility treatment.
• Religion and the environment: global warming, pollution and a believer's responsibility to care for the Earth.

You will be expected to ....

• demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of beliefs, values and traditions, and the impact of religion on the lives of individuals, societies and cultures.
• evaluate different responses to religious and moral issues, using relevant evidence and argument.
• actively participate in debate and discussion. 

Studying this subject could lead to...

the Sixth Form and the AS Level and A2 Level Religious Studies Course.
a qualification in Religious Studies, useful for the following careers: the police force; the legal profession; nursing; community, personnel, probation, social and youth work; and teaching.