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 Religious Studies GCSE
Why study Religious Studies?
Religious Studies helps pupils to recognise and appreciate the religious and spiritual dimensions of life through research and questioning. The course challenges pupils to relate Christian moral principles to their own personal and social life and to identify values and attitudes that influence behaviour. Religious Studies can also contribute to an understanding of social, civic and cultural issues, particularly in regard to life in Northern Ireland. This is because the course encourages pupils to develop an awareness of what it means to belong to particular Christian traditions as well as increase sensitivity towards the beliefs of others.
What does the GCSE course involve?
The subject content is divided into three sections with the major topics listed as follows:
SECTION A - THE CHALLENGE OF JESUS
Palestine at the time of Jesus
Jesus Teachings
Jesus Deeds
Jesus Death, Resurrection and Ascension
SECTION B THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH EXPLORED THROUGH CONTRASTING DENOMINATIONS
The Church Calendar
Church Buildings and symbolism
Styles of worship and participation
The symbolism and significance of church sacraments, ordinances and practices
The role and importance of key personnel in the churches
The local organisation of the churches and their inter-denominational contacts
SECTION C CHRISTIAN MORALITY
Personal and Family Issues
Qualities of Love, Preparation for marriage
Christian teaching on marriage and divorce
Roles and responsibilities with the Christian family.
Life and Global Issues
Abortion, Substance Abuse and Addiction, Euthanasia, Work and Leisure, Crime and Punishment
How is the GCSE course assessed?
There are two tiers of entry to the examination:
Foundation Tier allows pupils to achieve grades in the range C - G
Higher Tier allows pupils to achieve grades in the range A* - D
Each tier consists of two terminal examination papers and two assignments based on two of the three sections of the course as noted above form the coursework element. The marks are allocated as follows:
Paper 1 (2 hours) Sections A and B 52%
Paper 2 (11/2 hours) Section C 28%
Coursework 20%
What next?
Religious Studies will form part of a good general education for any course you choose to follow when you leave school. The course provides opportunities for you to develop in the following nationally specified Key Skills:
Communication
Application of Number
Information Technology
Working with others as well as autonomously
Improving Own Learning and Performance
Problem Solving
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