Religious Studies
Key Stage 3 Information
Points to Note
All KS3 units are based on the RS GCSE Specification therefore they prepare pupils throughout for GCSE at KS4. During their KS3 study, pupils will engage with a variety of exciting and interesting topics. In years 7 and 8 pupils learn about the six major world faiths focusing on both the aspects and impact of these faiths. At year 9 pupils engage with more diverse belief along with a greater depth of GCSE preparation. Exam technique is developed through actual GCSE style questions which have been embedded in each unit. Assessments also reflect the GCSE style provided the optimum preparation for the expectations of the GCSE RS course.
Year 7
• Religious Aspects – Judaism
• Impact of Faith – Judaism
• Religious Aspects – Christianity
• Impact of Faith – Christianity
• Religious Aspects – Islam
• Impact of Faith – Islam
Year 8
• Religious Aspects – Hinduism
• Impact of Faith – Hinduism
• Religious Aspects – Buddhism
• Impact of Faith – Buddhism
• Religious Aspects – Sikhism
• Impact of Faith – Sikhism
Year 9
• Diversity of Belief
• GCSE Experience
• Religion in Action
• Ultimate Questions
• Diversity Within Religion
• Skills Boost
Key Stage 4 Information
Points to Note
The new AQA GCSE RS Specification began September 2016 with first public examinations in the summer of 2018. It provides an exciting opportunity for pupils to engage deeply with the beliefs and practices of Christianity and Islam. They will focus on the major aspects of each faith and immerse themselves in the tenets which form the backbone of the two largest religions in the world.
Pupils will also engage in thematic study involving a variety of contemporary issues and the challenges associated with them. They will approach the issues with an open mind looking at multiple views and will be given the opportunity to express their own views.
Year 10
Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices
Component 2: Thematic studies
• Component 1 – Christianity – Beliefs & Teachings (‘Key Beliefs’ and ‘Jesus Christ and salvation’)
• Component 1 – Islam – Beliefs & Teachings (‘Key Beliefs’ and ‘Authority’)
• Component 2 – Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment (‘Religion, crime and the causes of crime’ and ‘Religion and punishment’)
• Component 2 – Theme B: Religion and life (‘The origins and value of the universe’ and ‘The origins and value of human life’)
Year 11
Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices
Component 2: Thematic studies
• Component 1 – Christianity – Practices (‘Worship and festivals’)
• Component 1 – Islam – Practices (‘Worship’)
• Component 2 – Theme A: Relationships and families (‘Sex, marriage and divorce’ and ‘Families and gender equality’)
• Component 1 – Christianity – Practices (‘The role of the church in the local and worldwide community’)
• Component 1 – Islam – Practices (‘Duties and festivals’)
• Component 2 – Theme D: Religion, peace and conflict (‘Religion, violence, terrorism and war’ and ‘Religion and belief in 21st century conflict’)
• Component 1 & Component 2 – Examination Preparation
Exam Board Specifications
Visit the website regarding specification (http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-a-8062).
Visit the website regarding subject content (http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-a-8062/subject-content).
Extra-Curricular Opportunities
• Sharples Award for Excellence in Religious Education awarded each half term.
• Sharples RE Club ran weekly.
