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Religious Studies A Level Course Outline
Advanced Level 3
Awarding Body: Eduqas
Study Religious Studies (Philosophy, Ethics & Christianity)
Philosophy, Ethics and Developments in Christian thought is a challenging and interesting course which will enable you to:
- Investigate existential questions such as "where does morality come from?" and "how do we reconcile God's omnibenevolence with the problem of evil?"
- Study topics that explain the different arguments for the existence of God, religious experience and religious language.
- Improve your philosophical thinking skills and the ability to think outside of the box
- Understand contemporary ethical issues such as sexual ethics, Capital Punishment, Immigration and predestination.
- Develop logical and critical thinking skills
- Construct well informed and reasoned arguments substantiated by relevant evidence
- Engage in debate in a way that recognises the right of others to hold a different view.
- Explore the importance for religious believers of religion both in history, and in contemporary society.
Entry Requirements
The General entry requirements for A Level courses are six GCSEs grades 9-4 and above, including English Language.
Grade 5 GCSE English and Grade 5 in GCSE RE
Content
Exam Board - Eduqas
There are three assessed components. Students must take assessments in both Component 1, Component 2 and Component 3 in the exam
Component 1: Christianity.
There will be four themes:
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Religious figures and sacred texts
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Religious concepts and religious life
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Significant social and historical developments in religious thought
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Religious practices and religious identity
Component 2: Philosophy of Religion
There will be four themes:
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Arguments for the existence of God
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Challenges to religious belief
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Religious experience
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Religious language.
Component 3: Religion and Ethics
There will be four themes:
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Ethical thought
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Deontological ethics
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Teleological ethics
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Determinism and free will.
Assessment
Methods of Assessment
Essays are the principal method of assessment and regular essays are set throughout the course.
Three types of written work are undertaken during the year:
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Study essays
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Timed essays
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Examination Essays
Students will be expected to submit study essays and will also be required to write timed essays in class.
Homework will be set each week for each of the themes taught and feedback will be given on how to improve the work through target setting together with more detailed comments on essays.
Written examination
Component 1: Christianity: 2 hours 33%
Component 2: Philosophy of Religion: 2 hours 33%
Component 3: Religion and Ethics: 2 hours 33%
Students will be encouraged to use material on Teams in the form of extended reading to develop their knowledge and research skills.
Progression
Philosophy and Ethics is widely respected by major universities and prospective employers. It provides excellent training for a variety of careers such as law, politics, teaching, counselling, business, journalism, social work, police, research, broadcasting, medicine and the arts. The high intellectual demands of Ethics and Philosophy are recognised by universities as equipping students to further their evaluative and analytical skills.
Student Testimonials
"'I chose RE to gain a better insight into different religious traditions and practices. Studying RS has developed my critical thinking and given me the opportunity to discuss key topics like immigration and Capital Punishment in greater depth."
"I chose RE because the course looked different and like no other course that was on offer. I am enjoying the course as it is developing my own faith whilst given me the opportunity to critically analyse other beliefs and practices."
"RS A level has truly been a both fascinating and intellectually rewarding subject. Personally for me RS A level, with the help of my incredibly inspiring teachers, has helped me to gain a new perspective in life whereby now I think more critically when it comes to a wide range of philosophical issues. Additionally the masterclass opportunities offered by the RS department is again like no other, which included an Oxford University masterclass in Y12 that truly opened my horizons. If you are currently a Y11 who wants to develop their argumentative and critical skills I would as a Year 13 student recommend 100% you pick A level RS, the skills you will learn is like no other and it's honestly a truly amazing subject with many masterclass opportunities to Universities like Oxford and Cambridge."
"My interest for R.E. comes from my personal beliefs and these contrast with the world. Ideas such as Morality, Theology, Philosophy of Mind and Atheism, just to name a few encompass many of the questions which I had, have and will have about the natural world and humanity’s role in it. R.E. and consequently Philosophy and Ethics are interesting subjects due to how they highlight what is at stake when it comes to our knowledge and applicability of said knowledge. It informs fields like Science, Politics, Sociology, and Psychology so in essence, Philosophy and Ethics are the basis of Human interaction. My enjoyment of R.E. also stands from my engagement with Theology, which despite not being a field which I subscribe to, the syllabus provides with interesting challenges which did put many of my beliefs to test and some have changed in consequence. As far as teachers go, the Department of R.E. has no shortage of great Teachers, namely Ms. Watton and Ms. Leech. Ms. Watton structures the lesson in a manner to make more engaging and to allow for deep and interesting discussions despite adversities such as remote learning. Both teachers provide great support in learning and essay writing skills as well as to how to formulate arguments around scholars and Theology which are instrumental tools for University. As for University itself, R.E. is essential due to my interest and pursuit in a Philosophy and Politics degree and possibly a Philosophy and Theology Postgraduation degree."
"Partaking in the Religious Studies A-level course at St Charles has inspired my curiosity for religion, society and culture; provoked me to question the accuracy of my own knowledge and understanding of the physical world; and enhanced my ability to thoroughly analyse and evaluate religious and moral theories.
Prior to the course, I lacked confidence in my ability to write an essay, my insecurities almost drove me away from pursuing my passion. I am so grateful that I took the risk and committed. I have managed to overcome challenges I have encountered though out the course in which I owe thanks to my teachers. My teachers have been incredibly supportive; providing useful resources and offering constructive feedback in a way that is encouraging and kind. The classrooms have a non-judgemental atmosphere, making them the perfect environment to flex curiosity. The Religious studies course covers a wide range of topics, including both religious and non-religious ethical theories and scholars. We explore more than just the “what’s” but the “whys”; lessons are interactive and engaging. I have grown so much from taking this course and am considering pursuing Philosophy and Religion at university."
"As the end of year 12 approaches I can only express great gratitude towards the RE A level course so far. Philosophy and Ethics have given me the tools to establish a well-rounded argument, provided a wider understanding of concepts and ideas that shape society- ones of which I would have never realised had such an impact on the world today before taking the course. Overall it has developed me as a person, and certainly broadened my horizons. During year 12 I attended a Philosophy masterclass at Cambridge University which, prior to the course, would have been unimaginable to me. RE and what it has taught me so far, has been captivating. The teaching methods keeps the subject interesting and every lesson is a new accomplishment. The influence it's had on me is inconceivable, from researching philosophical theories in my free time to linking everyday conversations to ethical scholars. I am enthusiastic of the future this course has to offer and my success as I progress into Y2."
"I have just completed my first year of A levels and really enjoyed Philosophy and Ethics as it helped me to develop and form my own opinions whilst also challenging them. This subject has also helped with my other courses especially Government and Politics, where my analytical skills have improved immensely. I would recommend A Level RE! I have since reassessed my career choice and after leaving St Charles I want to study International Relations at University. "
Extra Curricular
In order to prepare for A Level Religious Studies in September, you can keep up to date with the following resources:
Recommended YouTube channels – engaging and informative videos on all Philosophy & Ethics topics.
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Crash course Philosophy
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Philosophy Tube
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Inspiring Philosophy
TED Philosophy talks online – A range of presentations on contemporary issues, creating an up-to-date and thoroughly relevant discourse
Philosophy for beginners Apple podcasts- a series of five introductory lectures, aimed at students new to philosophy.
Throughout the course there will be opportunities for Catholic Pilgrimages and retreats to Lourdes and Kintbury, regular trips and conferences to support learning. A number of guest speakers will be invited in to develop your knowledge and debating skills. There will be an opportunity for RS students to go to Rome in February too.
Department Staff
RE is taught by qualified staff that have extensive knowledge of the subject. Teaching at this level requires a thorough familiarisation with the concepts, themes and developments in terms of both structure and content. All staff are qualified to at least graduate standard in the specialist subjects and all are fully familiar with the content involved.