KS5 Subject: Religious Studies

What topics will you study in KS5 Religious Studies?

In key stage 5 Religious studies really morphs into Philosophy and ethics. This is taught as three main areas of study: Philosophy which includes epistemology, metaphysics and big questions like the existence of self, the problem of evil and nature of reality. The second area of study is Ethics which includes the study of normative ethical systems, Studies relating to controversial areas of ethics such as euthanasia and business as well the nature of the conscience. The final area looks at the development of Christian thought and focuses on Areas such as Feminist theology, Secularisation and the relationship between theology and politics.

Do you have a reading list for this subject?

At Key stage 5 an extended reading list is provided by the teacher.

How will you be assessed during the course?

At the end of the key stage 5 students will sit 3, 2 hour papers. Each paper involves writing three short essays, each essay has a maximum of 40 marks and therefore each paper is worth 120 marks. The order of the papers is Philosophy, Ethics and finally development in Christian thought.

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 5 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.