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R.E.
Staffing
- Mr McKee BA Hons PGCE
- Miss J. Young BA Hons, PGCE ( Head of Department)
- Richard Daniels BA Hons
Course
GCSE Religious Studies OCR Philosophy and Ethics full course
GCSE Religious Studies OCR Philosophy and Ethics short course
Certificate of Achievement Religious Studies OCR Philosophy and Ethics
AS Religious Studies AQA
A2 Religious Studies AQA
Key Stage 3:
Assessment is through chosen pieces of work which are marked to levels according to the Tameside Agreed Syllabus.
Key Stage 4:
GCSE full course OCR examination board specification A
This is a GCSE option and is made up of 2 papers on ethics and philosophy from a Christian perspective. It covers the following topics:
GCSE Short Course
pupils study just 6 of these units
Advanced Level
AS - AQA examination board
Religious studies AS level is split into three distinct parts. Each unit is examined by a one hour exam and is worth one third of the final AS grade. Through these units students are able to develop skills of analysis and use text to understand themes in religious belief and practice.
UNIT 1 Synoptic unit
In this unit students investigate religious authority and religious experience. By using religious texts as examples and psychological tests, they are able to question whether God can communicate with believers and the different forms this takes. They are able to produce balanced and reasoned arguments on a range of topics like mysticism, conversion, visions and revelation. Students also learn how religious writings provide guidance and structure in people's lives and investigate whether they have the authority they claim or if there are other reasons for their importance.
UNIT 2 An introduction to ethics
Candidates will study ethical theory and weave into it a range of religious perspectives on specific topics. The two topics chosen for study will be looked at from a Christian perspective Topic 1 - medical issues such as abortion, euthanasia, the value and use of embryos, transplantation and allocation of resources. Topic 2 - Environmental issues such as pollution, use and conservation of natural resources. Candidates also look at specific ethical theories such as Utilitarianism and Kant's categorical imperative and deontological theory.
UNIT 3 Religion and science
In this unit students explore the scientific and religious explanations for the creation of the universe. Theories are explained and students are encouraged to use criticisms from modern scholars to weigh up the arguments. The course also covers the philosophical and religious explanations of miracles and looks at examples from religious text and modern society to discuss whether natural laws can be broken and if they can, is it God who is breaking them? Students are encouraged to learn the various versions of the Argument from Design as one of the philosophical proofs for the existence of God. Using criticism and enquiry students are contemplating some of the big questions in life and gaining valuable reasoning and research skills.
AS Level
Unit 8 The New Testament
This unit allows candidates to examine St John's gospel as a piece of historical and religious text. Themes such as eschatology, the life and person of Jesus, and the signs will be examined with particular reference to symbolism, Greek influences at the time and the use of the text for modern ay readers. The unit takes a critical approach to studying Bible text and allows students to delve deeper into the written word and look for hidden meanings.
Unit 11 The philosophy of religion
This unit allows candidates to build upon the knowledge gained during the AS unit on religion and science. During their time studying this unit, students will look at the problem of evil and the implications for believers living with this challenge to their faith. Various explanations and theodicies will be examined in an objective way to allow students to decide if there is a credible solution to the problem. They will also study the ontological and cosmological arguments for the existence of God. Looking at types of argument and the way in which evidence is used to provide support and criticism for classical theories will allow students to explore the teachings of respected theologians and philosophers and add their own ideas.
Unit 12 Synoptic unit
This unit allows candidates to deepen their knowledge of religious experience that was first gained during the AS course. Students will investigate the main characteristics of such experiences according to a range of scholars and look at the psychological and religious impact of a person's life. Particular reference is made to the phenomena of conversions, mystical experiences, visions and revelation experiences.
2.14-19 Careers/ Educational Opportunities
GCSE pupils have the opportunity to enter a National Ethics competition called the Robin McNear prize. Three students were selected this year to enter essays on the issue of abortion. Although they were not successful prize winners, it is an honour to enter and gives invaluable experience at extended writing beyond GCSE level.
One student has been entered for an Advanced Extension Award in Religious Studies. This is one step beyond A level and he is the only pupil in the school to be entered for one in a humanities subject. Gifted pupils who wish to pursue Religious Studies or philosophy at university are encouraged to enter this examination and receive extra coaching for it.
