Religious Studies GCSE

Year 10 pupils can choose to study either full GCSE or a Short Course in Religious Studies. Both these courses will lead to a qualification with the CCEA Examination Board.The aim of both courses is to encourage students to be inspired and challenged by following a broad, satisfying and worthwhile course of study that will equip them to lead constructive lives in the modern world. It is hoped that the students will develop an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on and develop their own values, opinions and attitudes in light of their learning experiences. One of the main goals is to give the students the opportunity to enhance their spiritual and moral development and contribute to their health and well-being.

The full GCSE course is taught in seven or eight periods per week, while the Short Course is delivered in three periods per week.

Note that the Short Course will only have three periods per week and does not have to be selected from one of the boxes on the form.

 

Course Content

There are two modules of study for the Full Course, but only one for the Short Course.

Module 1 Christianity through the Study of the Gospel of Mark. This aims to introduce students to a number of themes in the life and ministry of Jesus, as portrayed in the Gospel of Mark. The themes include, the Identity of Jesus, Jesus the Miracle Worker, the Kingdom of God, the Death and Resurrection of Jesus and the Role and Nature of Discipleship.

Module 2: An Introduction to Christian Ethics. This aims to introduce students to ethics within the study of religion. They will have the opportunity to explore personal and family issues, matters of life and death, care for the environment, equality and war and peace. The desired outcome is for students to develop their own evaluative skills.

Note: Short Course students will only study the Christian Ethics module.

 

Assessment

Examining Board: CCEA

 Full Course GCSE Both modules of study will be examined at the end of Year 12. Each exam will last for 90 minutes.

Short Course GCSE

There is only one 90 minute exam at the end of Year 12. Only the Introduction to Christian Ethics will be examined.

Structure of Exam

Section (a) students will be required to answer four questions with both short and extended answers.

Section (b) students will have a choice of two from three questions, which will all require extended answers (short essays).

 

Note: that there is no coursework in either the Full Course or in the Short Course.