Examination Board: OCR
Studying Religious Studies at A-level allows students to develop their own views on philosophical and ethical issues as well as helping students to develop their knowledge of religion and the wider world. Students will have the opportunity to study theology, philosophy and ethics within this specification. This subject allows students to develop their written communication and debate skills. It also provides students with the skills to analyse and construct arguments, drawing on a range of resources. Research skills which will allow them to apply their knowledge to wider world contexts. Along with developing empathy and tolerance towards other views. Religious Studies as A-Level is highly valued by universities and employment alike due to the nature of the subject and the skills it provides students.
Grade 5 or above within Religious Studies and a Grade 5 or above in English.
The course is split into three examinations of, Ethics, Philosophy and Christian Thought.
During Year 12 students will cover the following topics:
Ethics- Ethical Theories such as Natural Law, Kant, Utilitarianism and these theories will then be applied to moral issues such as Euthanasia and Business Ethics.
Philosophy- Philosophical theories for and against God’s existence such as the Teleological and Ontological argument. Evil and Suffering within the world, the influence of Ancient Greek Thinkers.
Christian Thought- Ideas surrounding death and the afterlife, the existence of the soul, challenges of science to religion and religious experiences.
During Year 13 students will cover the following topics:
Ethics- Ideas on the conscience, Sexual Ethics and Ethical Language.
Philosophy- Nature of God and Religious Language and its relevance within society.
Christian Thought- Gender and society, Gender and Theology, Augustine’s views on sexual nature, body and soul and key themes related to the relationship between religion and society.
Anywhere! RS A-level is useful for careers and degrees within Science, Maths, English and Law. It is also of course well suited to Philosophical and Theology degrees. RS can lead to variant careers ranging from Archaeologists to Lawyers from Teachers to Environmental Scientists.
