Religious Studies

Religious Studies

Qualification

GCSE

Examination Board

WJEC

Overview of content

Why study R.E? Because it is and will always be relevant. The majority of the world’s population is religious. GCSE RE helps you to understand some of the beliefs and teachings that these people live their lives by. You will also learn about non-religious attitudes and perspectives as this is increasingly relevant in the modern world. Not a day goes by where there isn’t reference to religion or some ethical topic on the news. GCSE RE comprises four units, two of which are non-examined assessments (NEA).

Unit 1:  Religious and non-religious beliefs, teachings and practices (30% Exam)

You learn about the nature of belief and then go on to look at a variety of key religious and non-religious beliefs, teachings and practices, including beliefs about life and death, identity, belonging, morality and putting belief into action. You will learn this content from a Catholic perspective, the perspective of one other world religion and from non-religious perspectives.

Unit 2-Religion and Relationships (20% Non-examination assessment)

You will learn about relationships and then conduct an investigation into a topic relating to this, exploring religious and non-religious perspectives.

Unit 3-Roles, rights and responsibilities (30% Exam)

This unit allows you to explore key religious themes, including stewardship, animal rights, freedom of religious expression, use of personal wealth and the medical ethics topics of abortion and euthanasia. As with Unit 1, you will learn these from a catholic perspective and also from the viewpoint of one other world religion, as well as looking at non-religious views.

Unit 4-Religion and human rights (20% Non-examination assessment)

First you will learn some beliefs, teachings, practices and perspectives relating to human rights and then complete the NEA exploring the work of charities and organisations campaigning for human rights.

Skills development

Religious Education allows you to broaden your understanding of different people and the way they live their lives, developing tolerance and empathy. The academic nature of the subject helps you to develop a range of skills, including:

• Interpretation
• Analysis
• Evaluation
• Critical thinking
• Debate and Communication skills
• Reflection of personal views

 

Careers

GCSE Religious Education gives you a solid foundation for studying A Level religious Studies, which can lead you to various degrees at university:

• Theology
• Religious Education
• Philosophy
• Politics, philosophy and Economics

It can also lead to a wide range of career: lawyer, police officer, data analyst, teacher, paramedic, chef, business owner, data analyst.

How you will be assessed

2 Examinations (60%)
2 Non-examination assessment (40%)

For further information, please contact Miss Evans or Miss Cannon.