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Why Study GCSE Religious Studies?
Studying GCSE Religious Studies will allow students to progress their knowledge and skills from KS3. Students will be further challenged with questions about belief, values, meaning, purpose and truth, enabling them to develop their own attitudes towards religious issues. Students will also gain an appreciation of how religion, philosophy and ethics form the basis of our culture, legal system and many people’s lives. Furthermore, studying GCSE religious studies offers a rich and enjoyable set of topic that will bring young people into contact with the thoughts of the greatest minds and offers them the opportunity to carry on the great conversation of humanity about the ideas that shape our lives and the human condition.
Frequently Asked Questions about Religious Studies
What will I learn?
The GCSE covers:
- The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices.
- Six thematic studies, exploring topics such as relationships, peace and conflict, crime and punishment, and human rights.
Students also engage with textual and ethical studies where appropriate, developing skills in evaluation, interpretation and argument.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment consists of two written papers:
Paper 1: The study of religions – beliefs, teachings and practices.
Paper 2: Thematic Studies (and textual studies, depending on the route chosen).
Each paper features structured questions assessing knowledge, analysis and evaluation.
What course will I follow?
Students follow the AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062) specification.
What Equipment Will I Need?
Standard writing materials, a folder for notes, and access to revision guides or religious texts as required.
Where Can This Subject Take Me?
Religious Studies paves the way for progression to A-level Religious Studies, Philosophy, Sociology, Law, History and other humanities subjects. It develops transferable skills such as reasoning, debate, cultural awareness and ethical understanding, which are valuable in careers including law, education, public services and community work.
How Can I Support My Child at Home?
- Encourage discussion of ethical issues
- Support revision using specification checklists and practice questions
- Help your child explore a range of viewpoints on philosophical and religious matters
