Ciencias Religiosas

“I study RS because not only is it an interesting insight into religion, but it also helps us understand what’s going on in the world from an ethical point of view.”

Why Study Religious Studies?

This exciting, provocative subject helps students become aware of issues of local and global concerns. By understanding different beliefs and cultures, the legal system, and other world views, students will gain a better understanding of the forces that have shaped our world and the way we see it.

Religious Studies deals with issues that are currently facing our world and are often in the news; for example, we will consider environmental issues and actions which could be put in place to save our planet. We consider recent events such as the COP28 meeting in Dubai and how this impacts the lives of individuals. Students are encouraged to evaluate different strategies, looking at the law, their own views and that of religions. Students will be encouraged to gain a strong awareness of religious and ethical diversity.

Religious Studies helps to develop evaluation and analysis skills, which can help to create a considered and reasoned written argument about current world affairs. This writing skill can be easily transferred to other subjects at GCSE, but also helps prefer for further learning, for example A levels.

Religious Studies helps students to engage with the world around them and to develop a greater understanding of some of the difficult issues that society faces.

The Course

You will develop your knowledge, skills and understanding of religion by exploring beliefs, teachings, and practices. You will have the opportunity to explain your own views on religious, philosophical, and ethical issues. Issues you will cover include marriage, women’s rights, justice, protest, terrorism, war, crime, punishment, evil, prejudice, and discrimination, to name but a few.

How are you Assessed?

The course is assessed through two written examinations at the end of Year 11. Each exam makes up 50% of the final grade and is 1hour 45mins long. There is no coursework or controlled assessment.

Component 1: Addresses fundamental questions about the beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity and Islam.

Component 2: Thematic study, which consists of four ethical themes. We will be studying:

Theme A – Relationships and Family (this includes attitudes about sex before marriage, gay marriage, adultery etc.)
Theme B – Religion and Life (this includes attitudes about animal rights, abortion, euthanasia etc.)
Theme D - Religion, Peace and Conflict (this includes attitudes about whether war is sometimes necessary, holy war, terrorism etc.)
Theme E – Religion Crime and Punishment (this includes attitudes about why some people break the law, the aims of punishment, the death sentence etc.)