GCSE Religious Studies is a hugely dynamic subject which allows students to gain an appreciation of how religion, philosophy and ethics form the basis of our culture. Drawing from religious texts, historic and current affairs they will develop analytical and critical thinking skills, the ability to work with abstract ideas, leadership and research skills.  All these skills will not only help prepare students for further study but also enable them to develop their ideas, values, and identities and help them develop a constructive aptitude for dialogue so that they can participate positively in society.

This GCSE course will be assessed with two 1hr 45 min papers, with each paper worth 50%.

Paper 1 is an assessment of the beliefs, teachings and practices of the two religions studied: Buddhism and Christianity.

Paper 2 covers the Themes studied: Religion and life, Peace and conflict, Crime & Punishment and Human rights & Social Justice.

Each paper has 1,2, 4, 5 and 12 -mark questions covering a range of skills from knowledge and understanding to analysis and evaluation. 

The Exam Board is AQA - Specification A

Schools have to teach RE, but parents can withdraw their children for all or part of the lessons.

Religious Studies qualifications open up a large number of career paths. For example:

• Legal sector
• Media sector
• Politics and International Relations
• International Development
• Publishing sector
• Medicine
• Voluntary sector
• Social work
• Journalism
• Civil Service
• NGOs