Ryton Parents – Year 9 Options – RE

Religious Studies at GCSE follows the AQA exam board and is assessed through two examinations each worth 50%, one at the end of Year 10 and the other at the end of Year 11. It is an academic course and would be of interest to anyone who enjoys debate, discussion and questioning pre-conceived ideas. If you have an interest in what goes on in the world and ethical discussions than you will be very well suited to the course.

The course encourages candidates to be inspired, moved and changed by following a broad, satisfying and worthwhile course of study that challenges young people and equips them to lead constructive lives in the modern world. It enables students to develop a number of transferable skills relevant for a wide variety of further education (from Medicine, to Law or Philosophy) and career options (ranging from the police force, teaching, social care to journalism.) It also enhances their personal, social and cultural development, their understanding of different cultures locally, nationally and in the wider world.

The course focuses on fundamental questions and issues about identity, belonging, meaning, purpose, truth, values and commitments. These are issues and ideas that students see everyday in the world around them and because of this it allows them to express their personal responses and give informed insights.

Students have the opportunity to: develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of religion by exploring the significance and impact of beliefs, teachings, sources, practices, ways of life and forms of expressing meaning.

In Year 10 students study Religion and Morality and take an exam in the summer worth 50% of their final GCSE grade. This unit of work covers Medical Ethics, Attitudes to the Elderly and Death, Drug Abuse, Crime and Punishment, Attitudes to the Rich and Poor in British Society, and World Poverty.

In Year 11 students study Religion and Life Issues and take an exam in the summer worth 50% of their final GCSE grade. This unit of work covers Animal Rights, Planet Earth, Religion and Prejudice, Religion and Early Life, War and Peace, Religion and Young People.

Contact: Ms Harrison