A-Level Religious Studies at The Queen’s School Sixth Form

Religious Studies

Ever since humankind started to think, religion has been a fundamental part of our development. As people look into the vastness of space or witness the miracle of birth, they contemplate the meaning of life and their own mortality.  In the 21st century, religion still addresses the same eternal human questions about life and death, values and relationships, right and wrong.  This is the course for you if you are interested in people, ideas, experience and life issues; if you are a deep thinker and you value the opportunity of debating ideas that have challenged philosophers over millennia.

The religious studies A-level syllabus is diverse and topics include ethics (utilitarianism, the concept of free will, application of ethical theories to abortion, immigration, relationships);  philosophy of religion (arguments for the existence of God, the problem of evil, psychology and religion); and a study of Christianity (the nature of God – male/female, feminist theology, challenges from secularism and science). A variety of teaching techniques are used but be prepared to work hard and have fun!

The number of entries for Religious Studies A-level has increased 124% since 2003, more than for any other arts, humanity or social science subject. The Russell Group of top universities has made it clear that Religious Studies A-level provides ‘a suitable preparation for university’. Almost 21% of students admitted to Oxford University to study English in 2015 had a Religious Studies A-level, which was more than many other facilitating subjects.

The skills you will gain will be useful in any number of careers but particularly welcomed in law and medicine. This is an inclusive subject and we welcome views from people of all faiths and those with no faith. We recommend at least a level 7 (A grade) in English GCSE.

Specification name: Eduqas Religious Studies

Course overview:

Unit 1: A Study of Christianity

• Key Christian Teachings
• Jesus: The Son of God or a Teacher of Wisdom
• Feminist Theology

Unit 2: Philosophy of Religion

• Arguments for God’s Existence
• Evil and Suffering
• Psychology of Religion
• Religious Experience

Unit 3: Ethics

• Utilitarianism
• Situation Ethics
• Divine Command Theory
• Natural Law