Religious Studies - World Religions

Why study Religious Studies?

You will follow the WJEC B specification, and the course will reflect the fact that the religious traditions of Great Britain are in the main Christian, whilst taking account of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain (without requiring more than two principal religions in addition to Christianity). The three
principal religions that will be studied are:

• Christianity
• Hinduism
• Islam

This course encourages you to be inspired, moved and challenged by following a broad, satisfying and worthwhile course of study that asks you to consider the multifaith nature of life in Britain today, and equips you to be able to lead constructive lives in the modern world.

Aims & Objectives:

The syllabus gives you the opportunity to acquire knowledge of, and develop understanding of, the beliefs, values and traditions of Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. You will consider Christian, Hindu and Muslim responses to moral issues and fundamental questions of the meaning of life raised by both religion and human experience.

You will study:

UNIT 1 - RELIGION AND LIFE ISSUES (Year 10)

• Relationships Issues of love, marriage and divorce
• Is it Fair? Issues of justice and equality
• Looking for Meaning Issues about God, life and death
• Our World Exploring creation and our place in the world

UNIT 2 - RELIGION AND HUMAN EXPERIENCE (Year 11)

• Religion and Conflict Issues of peace, forgiveness and conflict
• Religion and Medicine Issues of medical ethics and the sanctity of life
• Religious Expression Issues of expressing one's faith
• Issues of expressing one's faith Issues of law and order in religion and society

You will learn to:

• adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion
• explore different religions and beliefs, and reflect on their responses to fundamental questions
• enhance your spiritual and moral development, and contribute to your health and wellbeing
• enhance your personal, social and cultural development, your understanding of different cultures locally, nationally and in the wider world, and to contribute to social and community cohesion
• develop your interest in and enthusiasm for the study of religion, and relate it to the wider world
• reflect on and develop your own values, opinions and attitudes in light of your learning.

This course will also enable you to develop:

• A good understanding of the nature of Christian, Hindu and Muslim values and beliefs expressed in moral issues
• A good understanding of the significance of key beliefs from Christianity, Hinduism and Islam.
• Critical thinking, developing confidence in your own ability to you’re your own arguments and conclusions, and to reflect on your own experiences and beliefs.

Assessment:

There is one written paper for each unit, each lasting 1 hour 45 minutes and making up 50% of the marks. Each paper consists of four structured questions consisting of visual stimuli used as a basis for a series of short paragraph and extended writing answers.
It is envisaged that one paper will be taken in Year 10, and the second paper in Year 11.
There is no controlled assessment.