GCSE | Religious Studies – Leighton Park

GCSE in Religious Studies

Exam Board: AQA
Syllabus Code: 8062BA

The course encourages the development of philosophical, ethical and theological thinking. Students will be examined in their knowledge and understanding of the issues covered and their ability to evaluate. All the lessons involve discussion and debate and a high level of independent learning is expected. The course explores contemporary moral issues and students will develop their own thoughts and opinions on these issues. Additionally students will have a clear understanding of differing viewpoints, particularly with reference to contemporary views on religion.

Examination – two written papers – 1 ¾ hour each
Paper 1: Beliefs and Practices in Christianity and Buddhism
Paper 2: Philosophical, Religious and Ethical Studies

Year 10 course of study

Theme – Relationships and families:
Students will study modern views on the relationships and families with reference to the religious, non-religious beliefs and attitudes to the changing nature of relationships and families in contemporary British society. The two main units under discussion will be: sex, marriage and divorce; families and gender equality.

Beliefs – Christianity:
Students will study the beliefs and teachings and their basis in Christian sources of wisdom and authority. Students will investigate the nature of God; belief in creation; the afterlife.

Theme – Religion and Life:
Students will investigate the origins and values of the universe, focusing on scientific truth versus religious truth; the origins and value of human life which focus on contemporary moral issues like euthanasia and abortion.

Beliefs – Buddhism:
Students will study the beliefs and teachings of the Buddha with a focus on Buddhistic sources of wisdom and authority. Students will investigate the life of the Buddha; the Buddha’s search for enlightenment and how these beliefs influence Buddhists today.

Theme – Religion, Peace and Conflict:
Students will investigate the contradiction of religious teachings of peace, justice, reconciliation and forgiveness with that of violence, terrorism, and various aspects of war and conflict in our modern world.

Year 11 course of study

Practices – Christianity:
Students will conclude their study in Christianity and will focus on Christian practices, with a focus on worship, festivals and the role of the church in the community at a local, national and international level.

Theme – Religion, Crime & Punishment:
Students will investigate the reasons for crime and why people commit crimes; the many types of punishment; and different religious views on crime and punishment.

Practices – Buddhism:
Students will discuss how Buddhist practices allow a Buddhist to show devotion to the Buddha through ceremonies, festivals, different types of meditation, retreats and rituals.

If you have any queries about this course, please contact Head of Department: Stephen Taynton.