KS3

In KS3, students study the core syllabus for Religious Education. In Year 8 students learn about the revelation of God through the Old Testament and the study of contemporary Judaism. In Year 9 pupils study the New Testament, the development of the Christian Church, and the importance of Christianity today. Students continue their study of the Abrahamic religions in Year 10 by learning about Islam and it’s importance in global issues in the 20th Century. Students complete their KS3 studies by learning about Morality and Ethics.

GCSE:

The study of Religious Studies to GCSE is a legal requirement in Northern Ireland, and at RSA all students must undertake the CCEA Full Course in Religious Studies. Pupils will study Unit 6 – Christian Ethics; pupils learn and discuss Contemporary Issues, Personal & Family Issues, Matters of Life and Death, War & Peace and Bioethics. This is a fascinating course which teaches pupils to engage with the key ethical issues of the 21st Century, while also developing a thorough knowledge of Christian teaching and belief. The second unit of study is Unit 4 – A Study of the Gospel of Matthew; this additional module equips pupils with an in-depth knowledge of the Gospel and life in the time of Jesus. It also develops literacy skills and ability to examine texts.

More information can be found:

https://ccea.org.uk/downloads/docs/Specifications/GCSE/GCSE%20Religious%20Studies%20%282017%29/GCSE%20Religious%20Studies%20%282017%29-specification-Standard.pdf

A Level:

We follow CCEA Religious Studies for AS and A2.

https://ccea.org.uk/downloads/docs/Specifications/GCE/GCE%20Religious%20Studies%20%282016%29/GCE%20Religious%20Studies%20%282016%29-specification-Standard.pdf

AS pupils study AS7 Religious Ethics and AS8 Philosophy of Religion.

Religious Ethics covers the basis of Religious Ethics: Divine Command Theory, Natural Moral Law, Kantian Ethics, Utilitarianism and Situation Ethics. Students also study contemporary Medical Ethics; abortion, euthanasia and bioethics.

In Philosophy of Religion students grapple with the big questions in Christianity; arguments for the existence of God, the problem of evil, miracles and religious experiences.

A2 pupils study A27 Global Ethics and A28 Philosophy of Religion.

Global Ethics covers Virtue Ethics, Free WIll and Determinism, the Nature of Rights, Capital Punishment and Just War Theory.

In Philosophy of Religion students study the issues with Religious Language, the debate between science and religion, and the relationship between the body, soul and the afterlife.

This is a fascinating course which will equip students with all the skills needed for undergraduate study; critical thinking, and skills of analysis and evaluation.