Sixth Form Religious Studies
Religious Studies
Board: OCR
Type: A Level
School: Sturminster Newton High School
Contact: Mrs L Phipps
Why study RS, Philosophy, Ethics and Religion?
Religious Studies A level is both fascinating and highly engaging. It is an excellent subject choice if you enjoy the opportunity to discuss and debate, analyse arguments and think critically and deeply about a wide range of issues and world views.
What will I learn?
The course is divided into three areas: Philosophy of Religion, Ethics and Developments in Religious Thought. Philosophy offers you the opportunity to learn about the views of many different scholars from the Ancient Greek philosophers through to modern day thinkers. The topics studied in Philosophy will encourage you to think critically about issues that are fundamental to human existence.
Ethics invites you to consider a number of different ethical theories and ideas about human behaviour and then to apply them to modern day issues such as euthanasia, business ethics and sexual ethics.
Developments in Religious Thought covers a range of topics that will help you to understand how Christianity has developed through time but in particularly it looks at how the Christian church relates to modern society and modern issues.
This course is an excellent choice to study alongside many subjects. It links well with Psychology due to the number of topics that relate to the study of human behaviour and the human mind. It also complements subjects such as English and History due to the transferable essay writing skills involved. It is a strong subject to have alongside Maths and Science as it shows that you are a student who can excel in many different fields.
In all areas of the course you will study a wide range of perspectives that include both religious and non-religious ideas. You will be expected to build your own arguments in essays and clearly demonstrate your own views on the topics.
What are the entry requirements?
Minimum: GCSE grade 5 in Religious Studies (if studied) and GCSE grade 5 in English.
Ideal: GCSE grade 6 in Religious Studies (if studied) and GCSE grade 6 in English.
Essay writing skills are essential for the RS A level so you should be confident in English to cope with this course. You need to be prepared to take an active role in lessons and contribute your opinions during discussions and debates. Good research skills and an interest in wider reading is also necessary.
How will I be assessed?
RS is assessed by 100% examination. There are 3 papers that are 2 hours each. In each paper you have to write three essays.
What do students do after studying RS, Philosophy, Ethics and Religion?
An A level in RS can lead you onto many different paths. First and foremost, it demonstrates that you have certain key skills that are essential to be successful in the work place but also for further study. These include excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to analyse and think critically and the confidence to build your own arguments and justify your views.
We have had students who have gone on to study a variety of subjects including; Law, Politics, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Maths, Theology, Criminology and Medicine.
The careers that link to the skills gained are also very varied and may include; Police, Teaching, Social Work, Nursing, Medicine, Law, Business, Journalism and many others.
What are the enrichment opportunities?
As a department we are keen to create plenty of enrichment opportunities. Last year we took Year 12 to London to visit the Holocaust Exhibition at the Imperial War Museum and we went to see Jeremy Bentham’s head at University College London. We also attended a conference at Blandford School. Currently our Year 13 students run a Philosophy club for lower school.