GCSE | Religious Studies – Leighton Park

GCSE in Religious Studies

Exam Board: AQA
Syllabus Code: 8062BA

The course encourages the development of theological, philosophical and ethical thinking. Students will be examined in their knowledge and understanding of the issues covered and their ability to evaluate. Many of the lessons involve discussion and debate and a good level of independent learning will be expected. For contemporary moral issues, students are expected to keep up-to-date with developments in thought and opinion, as well as having a clear understanding of differing viewpoints, particularly those from religious perspectives.

Examination – two written papers – 1 ¾ hour each

Year 10 study for paper 1: The Study of Religions

• Beliefs and teaching – Buddhism: Students will focus on the beliefs and teachings in Buddhism and their basis in Buddhistic sources of wisdom and authority. Students will focus on the following topics: The life of Buddha. The Buddha’s search for enlightenment. The teachings of the Buddha and how this influences Buddhists today.
• Practices in Buddhism: Students will also study the religious practices in Buddhism by focusing on three main areas: Worship, Duties and Festivals.
• Beliefs and teaching – Christianity: Students will focus on the beliefs and teachings in Christianity and their basis in Christian sources of wisdom and authority. Students will focus on the following topics: The nature of God, creation, beliefs about the afterlife and their importance, Jesus Christ and salvation.
• Practices in Christianity: Students will study the religious practices in Christianity and focus on Worship, festivals and the role of the church in the local and worldwide community. Students

Year 11 study for Paper 2: Thematic Studies – Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies

• Theme A – Relationships and Families: Students will study the religious teachings about the issues raised as well as the different religious and non-religious beliefs about, and attitudes to, those issues found in contemporary British society. The two main units under discussion will be; Sex, marriage and divorce and Families and gender equality.
• Theme B – Religion and Life: In this unit, the topics under discussion will be; the origins and values of the universe, focusing on scientific truth verses religious truth, and the origins and value of human life, focusing on abortion and euthanasia.
• Theme C – The Existence of God and Revelation: Students will study the philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God and the nature of the divine and revelation.
• Theme D – Religion, Peace and Conflict: The two main units under discussion will be; Religion, violence, terrorism and war and Religion and belief in 21st century conflict.

If you have any queries about this course, please contact Head of Department: Stephen Taynton.