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Religious Studies

A Level |OCR 

“I enjoy studying Philosophy & Ethics as it allows me to look at the world with a deeper understanding. It has given me a greater knowledge of religion and different ethical issues and how they may be applied in society today.” Rebecca, Year 12

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 Why study Religious Studies?
The Ancient Greek Philosopher Socrates once said that, "the unexamined life is not worth living." Religious studies comprises of three distinct disciplines; Philosophy of Religion, Religious Ethics and Developments in Christian Thoughts (DCT) 'Philosophy' literally means 'the love of wisdom'. Philosophy includes the study of traditional ideas about God and the world, providing students with the opportunity to unravel the Big Picture, to critically examine their own lives as well as the world in which they live. It explores such questions as these: What is the essence of a human being? What is the meaning of human life? Ethics is Moral Philosophy; it is the study of human behaviour and how we make decisions. In Developments in Christian thought, we get to apply these ideas to how Christianity has changed over the centuries.


Extra-curricular aspects of the course
Students taking this A Level can expect to participate in various conferences, debates and activity days, often with other schools, to explore certain aspects of the course in further detail.


Entry Requirements
A GCSE Grade 6 expected in GCSE Religious Education for students considering studying A Level Religious Studies.For those who have not studied Religious Education at GCSE level, a grade 6 in GCSE English is required.

Higher Education and Careers

As with any subject in the area of Humanities, students acquire a great range of skills, such as analysis, interpretation, critical thinking and the ability to produce extended evaluative pieces of writing. These are skills that will prepare students well for a range of higher education courses and, beyond that, in employment generally. An A Level in Religious Studies can naturally lead to further studies at university, including philosophy, ethics, theology, anthropology, history, classics, medicine, law, psychology, social work and education. Those who have studied Religious Studies have often progressed onto careers in advertising, the civil service, education, film and television, information technology, journalism, law, marketing, and Management.
 

Equipment required for the course
Pens, pencils, lined paper. A4 File - one for each of the three examined components.

 

First year of study

Developments in Christian Thought – consists of the study of human nature and purpose of life; the self and
immortality; knowledge and revelation of God; the Bible;
and the nature of Jesus Christ.
Philosophy of Religion - consists of studying influences on the philosophy of religion, such as Plato and Aristotle; ideas about life after death; religious experience; and arguments for the existence of God.
Religious Ethics – consists of the study of ethical theories; the application of these theories to issues of sex & sexuality and euthanasia; and ethical language.

Assessment of pupil progress will be made during two Pre
Public Examination weeks.
Pupils will be assessed according to A level assessment
criteria, based upon the content studied in the first year.

A Level Examination at the end of the two year study
Developments in Christian
Thought – all of the Year 12 content, and the challenge of
secularism; pluralism in society; and gender in society &
theology.
Philosophy of Religion – all of the Year 12 content, and
religious language; nature of God – the attributes of God & challenges of them; and twentieth-century perspectives.
Religious Ethics – all of the Year 12 content, and meta-
ethics; free will and conscience; and development in ethical
thought.

3    x 2 hour examinations.
Answer 3 open essay style questions from a choice of 4 possible questions for each Paper

“If you're interested in other people perspectives on the universe and
morality, with the opportunity to debate and express your thoughts, youshould choose this subject!” Curtis, Year 12
 

For more information on this course please email 

 Miss P Crone
misscrone@bthcc.org.uk