Religious Studies
Head of Subject: Abi Newman
Welcome to the Religious Studies Department at Ivybridge Community College.
The principal intent of religious studies at Ivybridge Community College is to explore what people believe and what difference this makes to how they live, so that pupils can gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to handle questions raised by religion and belief, reflecting on their own ideas and ways of living. Our curriculum is based around the concept that everyone has a personal world-view, and we explore the relationship between organised and institutional world-views and the individual world-views of our global society.
This will be studied using a world-view approach, where both religious and non-religious beliefs and values are incorporated.
All learning will be based on enquiry questions.
Parents have a right of withdrawal from all of RE or part of RE. Parents should make contact with the school via the 'contact us' section of the school website should they wish to discuss this.
Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3, students have two one-hour lessons per fortnight. Alongside studying major world religions, they explore ethical issues, encouraging reflection, discussion and critical thinking.
Year 7 Areas of Study
- Understanding world-views and perspectives on the world today
- Sikhism: life as a modern-day Sikh
- The problem of suffering and the existence of God
- Responding to inequality and injustice
- Islam: experiences of Muslims today
- Challenging stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination
Year 8 Areas of Study
- How world-views shape our lives and society
- Exploring the world as a theologian, philosopher and sociologist
- The life and influence of Jesus and Buddha
- Origins of belief and the relevance of a saviour today
- Understanding suffering in the modern world
Year 9 Areas of Study
- The impact of world-views on individuals and society
- Religious perspectives through theology, philosophy and sociology
- Sanatana Dharma: beliefs and daily life
- Life after death
- Virtues, ethics and moral decision-making
- Applying ethical theories to contemporary issues
Students also have the opportunity to participate in the National Spirited Arts Competition, allowing them to express their understanding of religion, belief and ethics through creative work.
Key Stage 4 – Core
All students study Religious Studies for one hour every two weeks as a non-examined course. The programme continues to explore ethical, philosophical and religious issues relevant to students’ understanding of the world.
Year 10 Areas of Study
- Crime and Punishment
- Philosophy of Religion
Year 11 Areas of Study
- Peace and Conflict
Key Stage 4 - GCSE Option
At the end of Key Stage 4, students have the opportunity to achieve a full GCSE in Religious Studies through two examined units: Study of Religions and Thematic Studies. Lessons focus on debate, discussion, and critical thinking.
- 50% of the exam assesses knowledge and understanding of religions and belief systems.
- 50% of the exam requires analysis and evaluation of religious beliefs and ethical issues.
Course Content
Study of Religions
- Christianity: Beliefs and Practices
- Hinduism: Beliefs and Practices
Thematic Studies
Relationships and Families
- Marriage, Sexuality, Contraception, Role of Families, Gender Identity
Peace and Conflict
- Forgiveness, Peace, Reconciliation, Just War, Terrorism, Pacifism, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Religious responses to war
Crime and Punishment
- Good and Evil, Reasons for Crime, Types of Crime, Aims of Punishment, Suffering, Treatment of Criminals, The Death Penalty
Religion and Life
- Creation, The Big Bang, Evolution, Religious attitudes to the environment, Animal rights, Abortion, Euthanasia
This GCSE encourages students to develop knowledge, think critically, and articulate their own views on contemporary ethical, philosophical and religious issues.
Exam Board: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-8062/specification
Key Stage 5
“The unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates
Do you enjoy discussion and debate? Are you curious about questions like:
- Are any civilians truly innocent in war?
- Is there any purpose to suffering?
- What do we really mean when we say something is ‘good’?
- Can we be sure about anything?
If so, Religious Studies is the subject for you.
Course Aims
The A Level encourages students to:
- Develop a rigorous understanding of religion and belief and relate it to the wider world
- Gain specialist knowledge of religious thought and practice
- Adopt an enquiring, critical, and reflective approach
- Reflect on and develop personal values, opinions, and attitudes
Course Content
Linear course: Content from Year 1 is assessed in Year 2; 100% of the A Level is examined in Year 2, with three equally weighted papers (33.3% each).
Component 1: Study of Religion (Christianity)
- Religious Figures and Sacred Texts
- Religious Concepts and Religious Life
- Significant Social and Historical Developments
- Religious Practices and Identity
Component 2: Philosophy of Religion
- Arguments for the Existence of God
- Challenges to Religious Belief
- Religious Experience
- Religious Language
Component 3: Religion and Ethics
- Ethical Thought
- Deontological Ethics
- Teleological Ethics
- Determinism
- Free Will
Higher Education and Careers
Philosophy and Religious Studies provide a strong foundation for:
- Degrees: Philosophy, Theology, Law, Politics, Ethics
- Careers: Business, Management, Public Administration, Journalism, Health Service, Law, Criminal Justice
Employers value graduates who can reason critically, analyse issues from multiple perspectives, and make evidence-based decisions.
Entry Requirements
- Grade 6 in GCSE Religious Studies (if studied)
- If not studied at GCSE, Grade 6 in English Language
Exam Board
- Eduqas A Level Religious Studies (7192)
- https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/religious-studies-asa-level/#tab_keydocuments
For more information, please contact the College here: