Religious Studies: Theology, Philosophy and Ethics
“It is a fantastic subject whether you are interested in history or humanity. Humanity is at the heart of RS and what guides us and helps us makes life-changing decisions.” – Isabel Webster, presenter at Sky News, message to the school, July 2020.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Grade 6 in GCSE Religious Studies if studied, and Grade 5 in GCSE English (Language or Literature)
Subject Leader: Simon Etheridge
Examination Board: OCR
A-Level Syllabus: H573
Examinations: 100%
“I am a presenter on Sky News. I loved Religious Studies at GCSE. I studied Philosophy at A-Level. I looked for a degree that would combine the subjects of Philosophy and Theology because they were thinking, “ethicy” and moral subjects, which I really found interesting. My Politics and Theology degree from Bristol University has stood me in good stead for my job. If you are thinking of studying Religious Studies and Philosophy at A-Level, I would really encourage this because it really encourages critical thinking, which is important to you as a person and also as a member of society. Also, many of our laws as a country are underpinned by Christianity and religion and it is important to understand where they have come from and understand how our laws are shaped in terms of our rights. It is a fantastic subject whether you are interested in history or humanity. Humanity is at the heart of RS and what guides us and helps us makes life-changing decisions.” – Isabel Webster, presenter at Sky News, message to the school, July 2020
What is A-Level Religious Studies: Theology, Philosophy & Ethics?
In Religious Studies: Philosophy, Ethics and Theology, religious believers, agnostics and atheists debate “The Big Questions” of the world and life itself today.
What makes a good Religious Studies: Theology, Philosophy & Ethics student?
A good Religious Studies, Philosophy, Ethics and Theology student will be a positive person willing to read and reflect, discuss and debate and to collaborate and write.
What can I expect to learn in Religious Studies: Theology, Philosophy & Ethics?
Assessment occurs in three examinations of two hours each where each student chooses three questions from a possible four:
Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion – Arguments for and against God’s existence and life after death from philosophers, theologians, scientists and psychologists
Paper 2: Ethics and Religion – Ethical, moral and political theories and issues such as sexual ethics, euthanasia, business ethics and conscience
Paper 3: Developments in Christian Thought – Christian beliefs and thinkers in history and today, the revolutionary life of Jesus, how Christianity has responded to Feminism, Marxism, Politics and different religions and how it took a stand against Nazi evil
Where could Religious Studies take me?
Religious Studies: Theology, Philosophy & Ethics is a respected academic discipline both at university, where it is the oldest subject, and also in the work place for it explores “The Big Questions” of life and people. As an accountant at an international company said in an e-mail to the school:
“In a prospective candidate, I look for the ability to work in a team. My company believes a diverse group of people working together enhances performance as a business. The collective skills, knowledge and background of our people are the strength behind our success. Religious Studies Advanced Level, with its understanding of different cultures, peoples and ethical decisions, would be a very good preparation to develop such skills of the workplace.”