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Sixth Form: Religious Studies- A Level

Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and Advanced Level Religious Studies (A2)

Advanced Subsidiary Religious Studies

The course has three components: -

· AS1 – An Introduction to Luke’s Gospel
· AS6 – Religious Ethics Foundations and Principles
· AS9 – An Internal Assignment

AS1 – An Introduction to Luke’s Gospel – worth 30%

The teaching syllabus for this paper is divided into three sections: -
· Background to the Gospel of Luke (includes a study of Luke’s sources, date and authorship)
· Selected Narratives in Luke’s Gospel (to include the infancy, journey, passion and resurrection narratives)
· The Words and Deeds of Jesus (to include a study of the parables and miracles).

AS 6 Religious Ethics: Foundations and Principles – worth 30%

The teaching syllabus for this paper is divided into three sections: -
· Foundations of Christian Morality (a study of Biblical Ethics)
· Principles of Moral and Ethical Reasoning
· Medical Ethics (The issues studied include abortion, euthanasia, genetic engineering and human rights).

AS 9 Internal Assignment: worth 40%

This written assignment of 1750 words challenges pupils to write on one of the following themes related to their study of Luke’s Gospel: -

· Sin and repentance
· Suffering and the Afterlife

For those who cope better without examination pressure, this is an opportunity to establish a sound basis for achieving a high grade. The assignments are externally marked.

Students who have an interest in religious or philosophical issues, and who have good literary and evaluative skills should enjoy this subject.

A2 Religious Studies

Students who choose to study at this level will take three examination papers. Two are based on Luke and Ethics as before but the themes are revisited at a deeper, more analytical level. The third paper is a synoptic assessment, which requires students to draw and develop links between their two areas of study under a given theme. From 2004 the theme for consideration will be discipleship. Some class time is devoted to help students prepare in advance for the synoptic assessment paper.

Examinations

The course follows the specifications outlined by CCEA. Examination papers on Luke and Ethics at both AS and A2 level last for one hour and twenty minutes. Students are required to answer two essay style questions for each paper out of a choice of four questions. The Synoptic Paper at A2 level is of one-hour duration.
Teaching

Students will be expected to read widely around the course using the library, Internet and resources in N11. Students must be prepared to read newspapers and magazine articles to keep up to date with the constant changes taking place on a daily basis on ethical issues.

Teaching strategies will vary with an emphasis on students making active contributions to the learning process. Students will be encouraged to reflect upon the issues under debate with the aim of encouraging independent thinking and analysis.

Course Requirements

There are no formal course requirements for Religious Studies however the majority of students will have studied the subject at G.C.S.E. or Short Course level. Prospective students should have an interest in Biblical Studies and Religious Philosophy. The course is open to those of all traditions and denominations or none although a strong church background is definitely advantageous especially if the subject has not been chosen at G.C.S.E. level.

Career Opportunities

Religious Studies encourages logical and independent thinking. Students are required to grapple with the big questions regarding the meaning and purpose of life. Students are encouraged to develop good written and oral communication skills.

Employers

Employers value Religious Studies skills because Religious Studies students can:

· Work effectively both independently and in groups
· Value and appreciate the views and contributions of others
· Communicate their ideas clearly and argue a case well
· Get to grips with a lot of information and analyse and interpret it effectively

 As in other subjects, Religious StudiesA-Level is divided into two parts:

The Advanced Subsidiary (AS) award is completed in year 13

For further information click HERE

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Students progressing to the full A-Level award, complete an A2 series of Modules in year 14:

For further information click HERE