Religious Studies

Whether you consider yourself a religious person or not, or whether you think religion has played a positive or negative role in history, it is an incontrovertible fact that from the beginning of time, humans have engaged in activities that we now call religion, such as worship, prayer, and rituals marking important life passages. Moreover, religions have always asked fundamental questions, such as: What is the true meaning of life? What happens to us after death? How do we explain human suffering and injustices? 

Key Stage 5 

At A-Level, this subject is known as Philosophy and Ethics. Not only will students develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of world religions, philosophy and ethics but they will also gain many valuable transferable skills along the way. The A level syllabus combines the in-depth study of the Philosophy of Religion and Ethics with the study of a major world religion and the development of thought within it. 

In the Philosophy of Religion and Ethics section, areas of study include the application of ethical theories to contemporary issues including abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment and embryonic research. The philosophical element looks at a variety of fascinating topics, including the nature of the mind, body and soul, arguments for and against the existence of God, and the problem of evil. 

Students study one major world religion chosen by their college (from a choice of Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism). The topics of study within these religions will vary, but examples of areas you can expect to cover include the religion’s teachings and interpretations of wisdom and authority, the self, death and the afterlife, gender and sexuality and expressions of religious identity. For more information have a look at the AQA Religious Studies specification. 
 

All pupils follow a programme of statutory RS which is incorporated into our Wednesday morning programme as well as assemblies and other events. If parents and carers wish to withdraw their child from all or part of RS please contact the subject leader Mr Smith jgs@theroyal.school.