GCSE
Pupils can choose to undertake CCEA GCSE Religious Studies Full Course or Short Course which builds on the foundations laid in KS3.
Pupils opting for the Full Course will study two modules:
- Christianity through a Study of Mark’s Gospel
- An Introduction to Christian Ethics
Christianity through a study of Mark’s Gospel
This unit aims to introduce pupils to a number of themes in the life and ministry of Jesus, as portrayed in Mark’s Gospel.
- The Identity of Jesus
- Jesus the miracle worker
- The Kingdom of God
- The Death and Resurrection of Jesus
- The Role and nature of Christian Discipleship
An introduction to Christian Ethics
This unit aims to introduce pupils to ethics within the study of religion.
- Personal and Family Issues: Christian views on the meaning and purpose of sexual relationships, the benefits and challenges of marriage and divorce.
- Matters of Life and Death: Abortion, Euthanasia, Capital Punishment – taking account of biblical, political and ethical viewpoints.
- Care for the Environment: The meaning and purpose of Christian Stewardship, animal rights and conservation issues.
- Equality: Social Justice, the Christian’s responsibility towards disadvantaged groups, racism, other religions, religious diversity in schools.
- War and Peace – Pacifism, the Just War tradition – taking account of different religious and ethical viewpoints.
How is GCSE Full Course Religious Studies assessed?
Both modules are completed at the end of Year 12. Each paper lasts 1hour 30 mins and is worth 50%
A Short Course, equivalent to half a GCSE, is offered to all pupils who do not choose RS as a full GCSE option. Those following Short Course GCSE will study: An Introduction to Christian Ethics
Pupils will look at a number of ethical and moral issues (see above) and analyse differing perspectives.
How is GCSE Short Course Religious Studies assessed?
The module in ethics is completed at the end of Year 12. The paper lasts 1hour 30 mins.
There is no controlled assessment or coursework in GCSE Religious Studies.
The course is taught in a friendly, caring environment where pupils can develop sensitivity, thoughtfulness and respect. There is a wide variety of resources available to pupils and we seek to use a variety of active strategies to engage them and ensure that they are challenged to think more creatively. This is done through use of:
- Walking debates
- Online research/web quests
- Extra-curricular outings
- Discussion tasks
- Podcasts
- Reflective thinking on key issues
