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Year 9 Options - Religious Studies

WHY IS RELIGIOUS STUDIES IMPORTANT?

GCSE Religious Studies is held in high regard amongst employers as they believe that knowing about religion shows you have sensitivity in dealing with personnel.

All schools must study the beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity and one other religious choice.  Here at Westfield Academy, we have chosen Islam because it is one of the diverse religious traditions and beliefs in Great Britain today.

Religious Studies looks at important issues that have an impact on a person’s life and discovers how belief can influence individuals, communities and societies.  RS will enable you to develop your opinions on key, often controversial, issues which affect our society today.  You will learn different perspectives between religious and non-religious beliefs; studying philosophical and ethical arguments related to the issues raised, and their impact and influence on the modern world.

You will be expected to show an understanding of religion through the application of teachings from religion and beliefs.  You will be expected to reference using sources of wisdom and authority including scripture and sacred texts, such as the Bible and Qur’an.   You will learn how to put across an informed opinion, develop the skills to argue your point of view and be able to justify them in a logical, sympathetic and convincing manner.

Religion is relevant to everyone – religious or not.  The UK is a multi-faith society and an understanding of our differences will help us live and work together peacefully. Religious Studies is a relevant qualification for ANY job which involves working with other people.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

You will study in depth, the beliefs, teachings and practises of two religions focussing on Christianity and Islam.  You will learn about basic beliefs that underpin each religion with references to religious texts.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

2x Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes each taken at the end of the Summer Term

  • Paper 1:  96 marks, plus 6 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)
  • Paper 2:  96 marks, plus 3 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)

Each worth 50% of GCSE

Paper 1

Each religion has a common structure of two, five-part questions of 1, 2, 4, 5 and 12 marks. 

Each religion is marked out of 48.

Paper 2

  • Theme A: Relationships and families. 
  • Theme B: Religion and life. 
  • Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment. 
  • Theme F: Religion, human rights and social justice.

Each theme has a common structure of one five-part question of 1, 2, 4, 5 and 12 marks. 

Each theme is marked out of 24.