Years 7-9

The philosophy and ethics department at Walton appreciates that we live in a multi-faith society where tolerance and mutual respect between religious communities is extremely important. We strive for each student to gain an informed understanding of World Religions and place a strong emphasis on making philosophy, ethics and religion relevant to living in contemporary society. The philosophical and ethical themes that we cover encourage critical thinking and analytical skills as well as instilling confidence to form solid opinions on controversial and challenging issues.

Assessment

Students will have regular unit assessments in class, usually one per unit. These will be formatively assessed by your teacher and your mark will be used to track your progress. You will also be set regular homework tasks. These could be extended pieces of writing, research tasks, producing artistic representations of your understanding or revision for tests in class.

Topics covered

At key stage 3 we follow the aims of the Lincolnshire Agreed Syllabus, which states that students should:

  • learn about religion and explore human experience
  • learn from religion and respond to human experience

Philosophical questions

  • Where do we belong? Focus – Christianity
  • What is sacred in Hinduism?
  • What is sacred in Islam?

Ethical thought and medical ethics

  • Where do we belong? Focus – Judaism
  • What is sacred in Buddhism?

Years 10 and 11

The study of Philosophy at GCSE is fascinating and excellent preparation for a wide range of A Level courses and at degree level. Highly regarded by universities, the subject involves a study of philosophical, theological and ethical theories which underpin and structure our world today. An understanding of these ideas is essential to an engagement with key themes in politics, law, medicine, education, human rights and religion.

The subject is suitable for anyone who enjoys thinking critically, playing with abstract concepts and challenging received wisdom. Philosophers ask fundamental questions about our own nature, and of the world we live in. It is a challenging and exciting process, helping you to grow and develop intellectually while developing valuable and transferable skills in analysis, imagination, problem solving and communication.

Specification Content

Component 1: Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World Written Examination: 2 hours
50% of qualification

  • Theme 1: Issues of Relationships
  • Theme 2: Issues of Life and Death
  • Theme 3: Issues of Good and Evil
  • Theme 4: Issues of Human Rights

Component 2: Study of Christianity
Written Examination: 1 hour 25% of qualification

Candidates will learn about the belief, teachings and practices of Christianity. Students will study practices such as pilgrimage, evangelism and the work of the world church such as working for justice of those facing persecution. Views will be explored such as beliefs about creation, salvation and the afterlife.

Component 3: Study of Judaism
Written Examination: 1 hour 25% of qualification

Views within Judaism in the way beliefs and teachings are understood and expressed will be included throughout the course of study. This will include practices such as festivals and life cycle rituals and beliefs such as the covenant and the chosen nation.

Awarding Body

WJEC/ Eduqas

www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/religious-studies/r-religious-studies-gcse-2017

Assessment

Students are examined by 100% examination at the end of the course.