Religious Studies

A brief description of the course followed in Years 10 & 11.

This course open to all.   The Department welcomes pupils of all faiths or none.   It just asks for a willingness to explore and debate important ideas and issues.   It provides a good foundation for an AS/A level course in RS in the Sixth Form.

 

The course followed is the OCR 1930 World Religions specification.   Pupils study for two papers, each being assessed by one piece of coursework of 1500 words and an examination of one and a half hours.

 

Unit One is the study of Christian Perspectives on Personal, Social and World Issues.   This begins with a brief consideration of some core Christian teachings and then examines the following issues:

  • Personal Relationship – sex, marriage and divorce
  • Birth and Death – contraception, abortion, fertility treatments and euthanasia
  • Prejudice and equality – issues of race and gender and other cultures
  • War, peace and human rights
  • Stewardship of the Planet – environmental issues
  • Responsibility towards the disadvantaged and poor at home and abroad

 

Unit Two is an in-depth study of Islam as a major world faith.   The topics are:

 

  • Key beliefs about God and the prophet Muhammad
  • Festivals and Fasting during Ramadan
  • Major Divisions and politics in the Islamic world today
  • Pilgrimage – the importance of the Hajj
  • Places and forms of worship – the mosque and daily prayer
  • Religion in the Family and Community – arranged marriages
  • Sacred Writings – the Qur’an as understood to be the final revelation of God

These studies are not only fascinating in themselves, but also develop personal skills which are of direct value in today’s world.   In particular, the ability to understand and express different points of view; often on complex subjects; the possession of a sound understanding of the issues affecting contemporary society and politics; and the ability to work and discuss with one another, managing any differences with tolerance and respect.

 

Group sizes are usually large enough to allow for meaningful debate, yet small enough for each student to receive a high level of individual attention.   The course is jointly taught by Miss. Gifford, The Revd. Johnson. All the teachers would be happy to discuss any aspects of the course with any interested pupils.

 

Miss. S.B.M. Gifford

R.S.

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