Religious Studies (RS)
Overview
Religious Studies is a popular, academic discipline within the school. Following the guidelines laid down by the Islington Agreed Syllabus we have a multi-faith, concept driven approach and look at the belief systems of the six main world religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism) in addition to atheist and humanist responses to philosophical questions.
Curriculum Content
GCSE Assessment Components
All pupils in the school participate in the full course Religious Studies GCSE. At GCSE all pupils study AQA Religious Studies Specification A; Themes and Religion ( Christianity and Islam ). Pupils are assessed by sitting two exams at the end of Year 10. There is no coursework and there are no tiers for the RS GCSE. Themes addressed in this course include; The Existence of God, Religion and Life, Religion Peace and Conflict, Crime and Punishment. The religions studied are Christianity and Islam.
Learning About Religions
A central task of RS is to enable pupils to learn about Religious Practices and Beliefs and Teachings. Pupils will develop an understanding of:
• answers that religions offer to fundamental questions about life and existence;
• how religion gives meaning, purpose and fulfilment to many people’s lives;
• profound similarities and equally profound differences between and within the great world faiths;
• the influence of religion, both historical and contemporary, on individuals, societies and cultures;
• the religious and cultural diversity of contemporary British society,and how such diversity enriches our national life.
Learning From Experience and Religion
As well as enabling pupils to make informed and thoughtful personal responses, learning from experience and religion also enables them to engage with, analyse, interpret and critically evaluate the views of others, including religious believers. Through this critical thinking, pupils will learn to recognise that people see things in different ways, and respect the right of others to hold views that are different from their own.
How families can help:
The EGA RS department encourages pupils to extend their learning outside the classroom. Our parents can support by:
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Encouraging students to watch and read the news (on topical issues such as the environment, science & religion and social issues)
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Educational trips to places such British Library, British Museum and experiencing cultural festivals.
All GCSE students will have access to a Digital Text-book for Religious Studies, Philosophy and Ethics. There are also many valuable resources on the school network that pupils can access.
Some useful websites are listed below.
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zkdk382
Contact
Please contact the Head of Religious Education, admin@egas.islington.sch.uk, if you would like more information about the course.
