Religious Studies

Religious Studies

GCE Advanced Level AS/A2

Course Content
From September 2008 the Advanced GCE is made up of two units at AS and two further units at A2.

AS Religious Ethics

• Ethical Theories
• Natural Law
• Kantian Ethics
• Utilitarianism
• Religious Eethics - a study of the ethics of religion chosen by candidate
• Applied Ethics - Abortion, Euthanasia, Genetic Engineering, War & Peace

AS New Testament

• Gospel Setting
• Mark's Gospel
• Passion Narrative
• Resurrection Narrative

A2 Religious Ethics

• Meta Ethics
• Freewill and Determination
• Conscience
• Virtue Ethics
• Applied Ethics - Environmental/Business Ethics, Sexual Ethics

A2 New Testament

• New Testament Background
• Kingdom of God
• Parables
• Miracles. Law & Ethics. Person of Jesus

How it is Taught
There is emphasis on developing valuable skills such as essay writing, research and organisation of lucid, logical argument.

The subject encourages debate, discussion and an interest in current affairs. It promotes an academic interest in various religions and cultural, historical and social issues.

It also challenges students to examine their ideas and beliefs (or lack of them!). Students are prepared for the examination through teacher led sessions supported by detailed learning packs.

Students are encouraged to attend a Sixth Form Study Day at a local university.

Examination Details
Examinations will be available in both January and June.

Useful/Common Subject Combinations
Religious Studies can be combined with any of the Humanities options. As it involves a great deal of reading and essay writing, it can be helpful to combine it with a more practical subject.

Careers and HE Information
Degree Routes - Medicine, Criminology, English, Languages, Drama, Computing, Theology and many many more.

Career Routes - social work, teaching, management (retail), journalism, ministry, entertainment industry and fashion & design, etc.

Other Relevant Information
This subject prepares students for their examinations, but also develops skills useful for Higher Education and employment.

Students do not need to be religious to study this subject.