Careers related to studying Religious Studies:

This qualification is designed to nurture the development of critical thinking. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis and the construction of balanced, informed arguments within the context of a religious, philosophical, and ethical awareness. These skills are all essential for many careers. An A Level in Religious Studies is useful in the following professions:

• Media (news, television etc)
• Law
• Politics
• Medicine
• Social Care
• Journalism
• Education

Course Content:

The A Level Religious Studies course aims to thoroughly engage learners and develop an interest in Religious Studies, Philosophical and Ethical issues which extends beyond the classroom and can be applied to the world around them. It will involve finding out about issues which affect us all, learning about issues that are constantly in the news, looking at topics that really make you think and being able to say what you think!

Entry requirements:

Due to the exam being essay based, it is desirable that you have achieved at least a grade 4 in both English Literature and English Language at GCSE.

Subject specific events:

The enrichment opportunities in Religious Education are wide and varied. Here are just a few of the opportunity’s students at Rainford have experienced recently:

• Links have been made with Edge Hill University for Philosophy and Ethics revision workshops and conferences. 

• For A Level student, a day trip to the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and the Liverpool Synagogue including a workshop exploring the topic of ‘Beliefs of Christians and The Jewish Community’.
• In the past 2 years all GCSE and A Level student have had the opportunity to work with the St Helens foodbank to support our local community during the ‘Cost of living crisis’.

Methods of study

There are four lessons per week and the three separate modules will be taught in blocks.

Teaching groups tend to be between eight and sixteen in number, and the course is taught through a range of teaching and learning strategies.

These strategies include:

• Group and class discussions focused on philosophical and ethical issues.
• Teacher-led presentations and student-led presentations.
• Use of video and film to explore ethical issues.
• Independent study using workbooks.
• Note taking, independent reading and the exploration of ethical case studies.
• Past exam papers and essay writing workshops.
• Outside speakers.

Methods of assessment:

In Religious Studies, learners will study three components that are each externally assessed, these are:

• Religion and ethics
• Development in religious thought
• Philosophy of religion

These exams will take the form of an externally assessed written paper lasting two hours and testing your subject knowledge, analysis, and evaluation skills in an essay-based exam.