Religious Studies (Philosophy and Ethics)

Religious Studies is an inclusive subject, designed for people of any faith and people who have no faith. A desire to find out more about religion and the big questions in life is more important. Religious Studies is one of the fastest growing subjects. This is partly because it is compatible with, and has a similar skills base to, subjects such as English, Sociology, Psychology, History and Politics

The course is divided in to three areas: Philosophy of Religion

• What is Philosophy and who were the ancient Philosophers?

• What is the soul?

• Does God exist?

• What is a religious experience?

• Why is there evil in the world?

• What is God like?

• What is religious language?

Religion and Ethics

• What is Normative ethics?

• Looking at ethical issues e.g. abortion and euthanasia

• What is ethical language and thought like?

• What is the conscience?

• What is sexual ethics? Developments in Christian thought

• What were religious beliefs, values and teachings like in the past compared to the modern world?

• Where does Christianity get its sources of wisdom and authority from?

• Practices which shape and express religious identity, and how these vary within a tradition

• How has religion developed in social and historical ways

• What is the relationship between religion and society? You will develop the skills of investigation, analysis, interpretation, evaluation, communication and debate.

This course encourages pupils to:
•Develop their interest in a study of religion and its relation to the wider world
• Adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion
• Reflect on and develop their own values, opinions and attitudes

Pupils will sit three examination papers at the end of Year 13. Each paper will be two hours long.