Religious Studies

‘By the study of religion we find that in essence they are one’  Swami Vivekenanda

All students study Christianity and Islam at GCSE in Hendon School from the Eduqas board. The qualification comprises three exams: ‘Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World’; The Study of Christianity’ and ‘The Study of Islam’. There is no coursework element. 

‘Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies’ is a 2-hour exam which focusses mainly on ethical issues. This will give students an opportunity to study many of the ethical issues that they will encounter in their lives and in a variety of career paths. For example, there is a focus on medical ethics, with the study of ethical issues surrounding abortion and euthanasia. There is a focus on the ethical issues which underly the study of law, in units focussing on crime and punishment and human rights. This is an excellent paper as introduction to many A-level and University courses, like Sociology, Psychology, Law and of course Philosophy.  

‘The Study of Christianity’ and ‘The Study of Islam’ provide students with an opportunity to see how belief influences people’s lives and actions. Both papers comprise a ‘Beliefs’ and ‘Practices’ unit and students will be able to build their understanding of both religions through important sources of wisdom and authority. For students with a Christian or Islamic background it is an opportunity to further develop knowledge of their religion and to demonstrate their depth of understanding. For those not within the religion, it is an excellent opportunity to study the phenomenon of religion from an anthropological perspective. 

Students have 2 lessons a week in both Year 10 and Year 11. 

In year 10, students study: ‘Islam beliefs’; ‘Islam practices’; ‘Christian beliefs’ and ‘Christian practices’. 

In year 11, students study: ‘Relationships’; ‘Matters of Life and Death’; ‘Crime and Punishment’ and ‘Human Rights’. 

Exam board

Eduqas (Full course)   https://www.eduqas.co.uk/media/wpojjvm0/eduqas-gcse-rs-spec-full-from-2016-e-14-05-2020.pdf  

Outside the classroom

We organise intervention session for Year 11 students (by invitation only) each year in the run up to the exams

Progression pathways and careers

All students complete Religious Studies as part of their Key Stage 4 curriculum. As a result students are well placed to go on to study Philosophy and Ethics but also subjects such as Law, Politics, Theology, Psychology, Sociology and Classics at A-level and University. 

People with Religious Studies/ Philosophy and Ethics go into a range of careers including law, civil service, local government, education, journalism and business. 

However, having an understanding of different religions and those with no religion is useful for all living in multi-cultural Britain, regardless of future career path.

Contact

Mr Andrew Meldrum, Head of Religious Education MeldrumA@hendonschool.co.uk