Religion & Philosophy

4th Form (Year 9)

As well as taking a more traditional religious studies course, Religion in Society, pupils also study a course in philosophy and ethics, entitled Human Life, Human Rights and Human Wrongs. In this course they will be expected to think for themselves, argue with each other and their teacher a lot, while wrestling with issues to do with, among other things, human nature, personal identity, the good life, human rights abuses and moral horror.

Lower and Upper Fifth (Years 10 and 11)

Over two years you will focus on ethical issues concerning human and animal lives. You will no doubt have opinions on the topics which we will cover, but in this course you will be expected to think carefully about the reasons behind those opinions, and learn how to construct arguments in defence of them.

Religious Studies has a strong track record of gaining excellent results. It is one of the most vibrant and relevant courses you can take. As the syllabus below demonstrates, it covers a wide range of fascinating and controversial ethical issues.

The good RS pupil has an open and enquiring mind, is prepared to listen to a range of different views, and is passionate about the search for answers to some of life's trickier questions.You do not need to be a believer to do RS GCSE and to do well. It rewards people who like to question, scrutinise, think and argue. It deals with the most up to date issues in the world today, giving you a chance to study and discuss areas you are already interested in, and get a good qualification at the same time!

Religion and Life Issues

This topic will include discussions of abortion, war and peace, the environment and animal rights. Examples of the sorts of questions we will be asking are:

What is a living thing? Do we have moral duties to things simply because they are living things? Does the foetus have an absolute right to life? What is a Just War? Can a Holy War be a Just War? What is terrorism? Is eating animals immoral? Is hunting animals immoral? Is wearing animals immoral? If Darwin was right has the Bible got the creation story wrong? Do we have duties to the planet, or are our duties simply to future humans? What happens when the oil runs out?

Religion and Morality

This topic will include discussions of life and death, crime and punishment, and rich and poor. Examples of the sorts of questions we will be asking are:

Is killing humans ever permissible? Is killing humans ever desirable? What reasons are there for believing in an afterlife? If we can eliminate certain diseases by altering the genetic code of humans should we? What's wrong with cloning humans? Are there ever cases of justifiable torture? What is punishment for? Are the poor poor because they are lazy and stupid? Can one be too rich? Can one be a good Christian and rich?

Where will Religious Studies GCSE take me?

RS is a subject which is highly valued by admissions tutors or employers looking for people with alert minds who can analyse ideas quickly, explain complex ideas accurately and present reasoned arguments. It is of particular benefit to anyone intending to work in any form of business management or professions such as politics or law, or for those intending to go on to study humanities subjects, philosophy or theology at university.