Religious Studies
Contact : Miss H Young Email : youngh @ pocklingtonschool . com
Course : A Level Religious Studies Exam Board : AQA
Religious Studies is a rich and varied A level . Life after death , religious experiences , religious teachings and practices , moral theory , medical ethics and ‘ free will ’ are just some of the topic areas that are covered in this course . Issues are addressed through direct philosophical examination and by studying the ways in which these questions have been responded to in different religions and cultures , with particular reference to Judaism .
CONTENT OF COURSE
Studying this subject requires an intellectual and emotional maturity . Many of the issues covered in the Ethics section of the course are emotive and complex . Much is expected in terms of independent learning and there is a great deal of background reading and research . Students are also expected to keep a watchful eye on developments reported in the media . This is especially the case in the field of medical ethics where technological breakthroughs serve as a constant reminder that an ethical response needs to be considered before the technology becomes an established part of society .
Half of this A level course involves a study of the Jewish religion . Judaism is a rich and diverse faith and students will explore both its beliefs and practices . Students gain an insight into a religion that is hugely relevant to History , Literature and , of course , to International Politics . A biennial trip to Poland , visits to Orthodox and Reform Synagogues and a range of visiting speakers are some of the ways in which we hope to enrich your
A level studies , challenging you personally and academically , whilst also deepening your understanding .
COURSE ENTRY AND QUALIFICATIONS
Academic qualifications required to study the course are the same as the school Sixth Form equivalent . It is not necessary to have studied GCSE Religious Studies but please bear in mind that this A level requires a good standard of essay writing .
RELIGIOUS STUDIES AS A QUALIFICATION FOR FURTHER STUDY AND CAREER OPTIONS
Religious Studies is a highly respected academic discipline and there are excellent Religious Studies courses available at all the most prestigious universities . Students in the recent past who have gone on to study Medicine , Business Studies and Law have found the religious , legal , philosophical and ethical aspects of the course particularly helpful in broadening their understanding of relevant issues .
Religious Studies is not just a fascinating subject ; it has real relevance to the workplace and its value is perhaps greater today that it ever has been . As our world develops , so must our ability to understand the issues and debate and evaluate its moral systems . The skills learned and developed through A level ( such as learning how to justify one ’ s thoughts and opinions ) are necessary ones , both in Higher Education and the workplace .
COURSE OUTLINE
A level ( examining all components of the 2 year course )
PAPER CONTENT MARKS AVAILABLE
7062 : Philosophy of Religion and Ethics
7062E : Judaism
Philosophy and Religion ; Ethics and Religion
Study of Judaism ; Dialogue between Judaism ; Philosophy and Ethics
100 marks , 50 % of A level
100 marks , 50 % of A level
“ People often avoid making decisions out of fear of making a mistake . Actually the failure to make decisions is one of life ’ s biggest mistakes .”
Rabbi Noah Weinberg
38