GCSE Religious Studies
Introduction
Religious Studies (RS) helps students understand different beliefs, cultures, and values, promoting respect and tolerance in a diverse society. It encourages critical thinking and ethical reasoning by exploring moral issues, philosophical questions, and the impact of religion on history and society. Studying RS also helps students develop open-mindedness and empathy, preparing them to engage thoughtfully with global issues and different perspectives. By examining faith, identity, and morality, students gain valuable insights that support personal growth and responsible citizenship in an increasingly interconnected world.
What Will I Study?
Students will explore various moral and life issues and reflect on their values, commitments, and experiences.
Students will:
- Identify, investigate, and respond to fundamental questions of life raised by religion and human experience
- Acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of the beliefs, values and traditions of two or more religions on their own lives
- Consider the influence of the beliefs, values and traditions associated with one or more religions in their own lives
- Consider religious and other responses to moral issues
Students study for the full GCSE course over Years 10 and 11. In each year, the course is divided into four units of work, with two exams at the end of Year 11.
Students will study the following over the two years:
- The study of religions: Christian beliefs, teachings and practices
- The study of religions: Islamic beliefs, teachings and practices
- Relationships and Families
- Religion and Life
- Religion, Peace and Conflict
- Religion, Crime and Punishment
How will I be Assessed?
Students must sit two examinations; each is one hour forty-five minutes long. Both will be completed at the end of Year 11. There is no coursework for this subject.
What skills will I gain from the course?
- Critical thinking
- Empathy, Compassion and Insight
- Writing skills, including constructing a reasoned argument
- Organisational and time management
- Research, analysis and presentation
- Team-working and communication
- IT skills
- Ability to think for yourself
Career Opportunities
Religious Studies helps young people develop beliefs and values and promotes the virtues of respect and empathy. These skills are required in the careers below but also in any career involving working with people.
- Advertising
- Law
- Media (Journalism)
- Social/Public services
- Teaching
- Human Resources
- Medicine
- Politics
- Retail and Catering
Exam Board: AQA
Course Code: 60184000
Contact information
For more information please contact:
