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Religious studies

Why study Religious Studies?

Religious Studies at Woodhouse will provide you with an introduction to one of the most fascinating and relevant areas of study today.

It’s an opportunity for students to engage with a variety of topical questions about belief, values, meaning, purpose and truth.  Students will be able to reflect on and develop their own values, beliefs and attitudes in light of what they have learnt.

RS is seen by the Russell Group as a ‘suitable preparation for university generally’ and Oxbridge include it in their top level list of suitable arts A levels. Theology graduates are found working for almost every type of employer in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, as the subject provides an excellent foundation for a range of careers.

There will be opportunities to listen to external speakers, and students are encouraged to take the initiative and attend lectures, exhibitions and other events in and around London.

Course overview

Philosophy: 

  • arguments for the existence of God, 
  • the likelihood of miracles, 
  • can you have a religious experience? 
  • what is religious language?
  • the problem of evil, 
  • is it possible to have a life after death?

Ethics: 

  • ethical theories, 
  • applied ethics - human issues, abortion, designer babies, cloning, euthanasia, capital punishment 
  • applied ethics -non-human issues – intensive farming, cloning, blood sports, xenotransplanation 
  • what is ethics (meta ethics)?
  • free will ans moral responsibility, 
  • what is the conscience?
  • Bentham and Kant.

Study of religion: Christianity

  • Sources of Christian authority (Bible, Church, Jesus) 
  • Beliefs about God & trinity
  • beliefs about God and the afterlife,
  • how to lead a good life (including war and the environment), 
  • ways Christians express their beliefs (baptism, eucharist, and mission)
  • Christian views on feminism and LGBTQ+, 
  • Christianity and science, 
  • Christianity and Secular values (humanism, materialism), 
  • Christianity & human rights (Pluralism and migration)

How is the course assessed?

Religious Studies is assessed in two exams:

  1. Paper 1) Philosophy and Ethics 
  2. Paper 2b) Christianity and dialogues (comparison of Christianity and philosophy / ethics)

There is no coursework.

What will I do in lessons?

Discussions, creative tasks , Q&A with visiting speakers, trips to conferences, and much more!

What Independent study will be expected? 

You are expected to spend 5 hours a week consolidating your learning, preparing for assessments, and conducting further reading and research.

Exam Board

AQA
Link to specification

GCSE entry requirements:

  • 5 in Mathematics required
  • 6 in English Language required
  • 6 in Religious Studies required (if taken at GCSE)
  • 6 in an essay writing subject required if Religious Studies not taken at GCSE (e.g., Eng. Literature, History, Geography etc.)

NB. Cannot be taken in combination with Philosophy

What A Levels go well with this one?

All of them!  

Many students interested in medicine consider RS due to its focus on ethical issues (including abortion and euthanasia). Law and sociology are also common companions for similar reasons. RS helps inform a study of politics and history, English literature as it allows you to have a solid understanding of different interpretations and world views.

What can I do beyond A Levels with this subject?

Religious studies teaches you critical thinking, analytic and evaluation skills. A lot of our students move on to study philosophy, theology or law.

Those who choose to read religious studies at university move on to careers in the civil service, journalism, teaching or do conversion courses in law.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between RS and Philosophy?

Religious studies focus on philosophy of religion and ethics and considers both secular and religious positions. Philosophy also considers ethics and philosophy of religion but focus more on the logic of arguments. We also study a specific religion in RS, which is Christianity.

Do I have to be religious to study RS?

Absolutely not!  If you are interested in big philosophical and ethical debates and the history of ideas, this course is for you. 

Do I need to have done RS or RE at GCSE?

No you don’t. The content of the course doesn’t rely on any background knowledge.

 

 

 

 

 

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