Religious Education

Exam Board:

AQA

What will I study on the course:

You will explore beliefs, teachings, and practices of major world religions, alongside contemporary religious, philosophical, and ethical issues. The course typically includes:

• Component 1: The study of religions – Beliefs, teachings, and practices of two religions (e.g., Christianity and Islam, or Christianity/Catholic Christianity and another from Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, or Sikhism). Key areas cover sources of wisdom (e.g., scripture), key beliefs (God, afterlife, prophets), worship, festivals, and community life.
• Component 2: Thematic studies – Four themes from religious, philosophical, and ethical topics, such as: relationships and families (marriage, divorce, gender equality); religion and life (creation, abortion, euthanasia); religion, peace, and conflict (just war, terrorism); religion, crime, and punishment (punishment, forgiveness); religion and human rights (prejudice, discrimination); or textual studies (e.g., St Mark’s Gospel). The course encourages critical thinking about religious and non-religious views (e.g., atheism, humanism), using sources of authority, and applying teachings to modern issues like sustainability, equality, and global challenges.

How is the course assessed:

100% exam-based (linear, all exams at the end of the course; no coursework): Two papers (each 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of GCSE):

• Paper 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices – Questions on the two chosen religions (multiple-choice, short-answer, source analysis, and extended writing).
• Paper 2: Thematic studies – Questions on the four chosen themes (similar format, including evaluation of arguments and application of teachings). Questions range from 1-mark definitions to 12-mark evaluation essays (e.g., “Evaluate whether religious teachings provide the best guidance for modern life”). No tiers (single papers graded 9-1); calculators not needed.

Post-16 courses:

A Level Religious Studies, A Level Philosophy, A Level Sociology, A Level Law, or Level 3 BTEC in Health & Social Care/Public Services. Many progress to sixth form/college (e.g., Stoke Sixth Form College) for humanities or social sciences degrees, or apprenticeships requiring critical thinking and ethics knowledge.

Careers:

Teaching, social work, counselling, youth work, law (solicitor/barrister), policing, civil service, journalism, charity/NGO work, human resources, healthcare (e.g., ethics in medicine), or roles in community cohesion, interfaith dialogue, and public policy. RS skills are valued in diverse, multicultural workplaces for understanding beliefs, ethics, and empathy.

Specific advantages:

The course is engaging and relevant, exploring big questions about life, morality, and society while promoting respect for diverse views – aligning with Discovery Academy’s values of pride, respect, and commitment. It develops strong analytical, debating, and essay-writing skills transferable to many subjects. It’s accessible with no prior knowledge needed, encourages personal reflection, and supports tolerance in a multicultural world. At the academy, RE embodies global insights into religion, culture, morals, and ethics.

How useful it is in the real world:

Extremely useful – in a diverse, global society, understanding different beliefs and ethical perspectives helps navigate everyday issues like relationships, justice, human rights, and current events (e.g., conflict, equality, environmental ethics). Employers value RS for critical thinking, balanced argumentation, empathy, and cultural awareness – essential in fields like law, healthcare, education, business, and public services. It fosters informed citizenship, respectful dialogue, and ethical decision-making, enhancing personal growth, employability, and adaptability in a changing world full of moral complexities. GCSE RS is a respected qualification that boosts university applications and supports lifelong skills for informed, compassionate living.