A Level Religious Studies

What do I need to have studied/have knowledge of?

Although you don’t need to have studied Philosophy and Ethics beforehand, it does help to have at least a 6 in a GCSE Humanities subject and English to show you have developed written and evaluation skills.

Philosophy is a way of thinking.  Those who study Philosophy are asking questions about the world; its people and ideas, that although may seem simple at first are actually very complex.  Philosophy is a challenging but rewarding course.

What will I learn on this course?

This course involves the study of three disciplines: Hinduism, Philosophy and Ethics. Unlike Philosophy and Ethics courses at GCSE, the A Level concentrates on studying, debating and enquiring into issues and questions such as: “What is the psychology of religion?” “If there is no God, what is the implication for morality?” “If our life is determined before we are born, how can we be held responsible for our bad actions?”

You will be expected to analyse and evaluate some of the greatest philosophical arguments that have been debated and contested over thousands of years. Can you outthink the greatest thinkers?

Component 1: A Study of Religion

Written examination: 2 hours

33⅓% of qualification

Hinduism

There will be four themes within each option: religious figures and sacred texts; religious concepts and religious life; significant social and historical developments in religious thought; religious practices and religious identity.

Learners will be expected to answer one question from Section A out of a choice of two and one question from Section B out of a choice of three in this component.

Questions can be taken from any area of the specification.

Component 2: Philosophy of Religion

Written examination: 2 hours

33⅓% of qualification

There will be four themes within this component: arguments for the existence of God; challenges to religious belief; religious experience; religious language.

Learners will be expected to answer one question from Section A out of a choice of two and one question from Section B out of a choice of three in this component.

Questions can be taken from any area of the specification.

Component 3: Religion and Ethics

Written examination: 2 hours

33⅓% of qualification

There will be four themes within this component: ethical thought; deontological ethics; teleological ethics; determinism and free will.

Learners will be expected to answer one question from Section A out of a choice of two and one question from Section B out of a choice of three in this component.

Questions can be taken from any area of the specification.

What key skills will I develop?

You will develop:

• Clear and logical independent thinking
• Interpretation and critical evaluation
• Research skills
• Negotiation
• Problem solving.

How will I be assessed?

There is no set coursework, each unit is assessed through exams.

All units are externally assessed.  In the first year there are two external examinations.  Each exam is one hour fifteen minutes long.

In the second year there are also three external examinations. Each exam is 2 hours.

What could this course lead to?

The careers which lead on from a RS qualification are some of the most interesting and versatile available:

Law, Financial services, Medicine, Politics, Consultancy, Journalism, Media sector, Education sector, Publishing sector and Social and Pastoral care.

This course is also highly thought of by the universities.

Additional events, trips or enrichment activities

Trip to The Bhakitvedanta Manor, Watford.

Are there any additional costs for this course?

Resources will be provided, however you may wish to purchase study guides and extended reading materials.

Who do I contact if I have any further questions?

Miss E Ainslie-king – eainslieking@commonweal.co.uk