Religious Studies A level

A LEVEL AND LEVEL 3 QUALIFICATIONS

To gain a place on this course students will ideally have at least grade 4 in both English Language and Mathematics and at least three other GCSEs, or equivalent Level 2 qualifications, at grade 5 or above. Some subjects also have additional entry requirements.

All students are to choose 3 subjects from 3 different blocks. Further Mathematics may be taken as a fourth choice.

LEVEL 2 QUALIFICATIONS

Subjects have individual entry requirements.

Students only need to apply for either Bricklaying or Hairdressing.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

We will be studying Philosophy, Ethics and Buddhism to achieve an A level qualification in this subject. In Philosophy we look at some of debates over the existence of God, the idea of life after death and issues of evil and suffering. The words and work of philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas and Descartes are all considered. In Ethics we address the issues of where our ideas of right and wrong come from, and whether anything can ever be said to be absolutely wrong on all occasions. Should we consider the consequences when we make ethical decisions, or is it all about a specific action? We will discuss ethical issues such as war, sexuality, the environment and euthanasia during this course. In Buddhism we get to grips with a very different religious tradition, one without a belief in a creator God or a soul. How did Buddhism develop, and how is it practised in countries like Thailand?

Students without a GCSE in this subject will be dealt with at interview.

There is no coursework component in A level RE. All assessment will by exam at the end of the course, in June of Year 13.

During the course students will be asked to complete essays on a regular basis, but background reading and independent research is also part of achieving success in this subject.

Subject Specific Requirements

Grade 5 in RE (Full or short course) and 5 in English Language.

Future Applications

Religious Studies is accepted as a good academic qualification when applying for courses in higher education. It is a useful discipline for anyone who wishes to work closely with people in careers like medicine, social work or teaching. The philosophical and ethical nature of this course means that it is popular with anyone considering legal work, journalism, broadcasting, the police or the armed forces.