KS4 Subject: Religious Studies

What topics will you study in KS4 Religious Studies?

At Key stage 4 the focus of the course narrows down to two major world faiths; Christianity and Islam. In Christianity we study the religion's relationship with Ethics as well as deeper insight into the core beliefs and nuanced details of daily Christian life. For Islam we study the religion's relationship with concepts of peace and conflict as well as the finer details of the Religion's practices and beliefs. Within both areas of study there is a an emphasis on contemporary moral issues including the capital punishment, euthanasia and gender discrimination.

Do you have a reading list for this subject?

At key stage 4 there are no specific requirements for reading although the school library does have a number of fascinating options including a fantastic selection of books relating to the Holocaust which forms a big part of our year 9 curriculum.

How will you be assessed during the course?

At the end of the key stage 4 course all students will sit two exams, each exam is 1 our and 45 minutes in length, has four sections and carries a maximum mark of 102. The first of the two exams is Christianity based and the second is Islam based.

How can you help your child excel in this subject?

We ask that you talk to the students about their learning. A large part of their Religious Studies lessons will be areas of controversy and discovery and it massively helps our students if they have the opportunity to inform and discuss with others the things they have learnt in their lessons. At key stage 4 we expect our students to keep abreast of current affairs as so much of what happens in the world today is relevant to their studies. So please point our students in the direction of reputable news sources and discuss world events with them as they happen.