Bishop Stopford School

Why Religious Studies?

Investigate ultimate questions such as "why does evil exist?" and "what is the purpose of life?"
Study topics that explain the diversity of life and religion in the modern world
Improve philosophical thinking skills and the ability to think outside of the box
Understand contemporary ethical and religious issues such as medical ethics and religious fundamentalism
Develop communication skills and learn to clearly express your views and increase your self confidence

Is Religious Studies compatible with my other options?

Psychology	In Philosophy, we look at Freud’s views on religion and in Ethics we look at how free we really are, are actions really our choice?
English Literature	In Christianity, we will analyse texts in the Bible and examine the way meaning and purpose has been applied to them.
English Language	In Philosophy and Ethics, we learn about the meaning of words, how people use language to influence society and actions.
Maths	In Philosophy, there are elements that focus on logic and reasoning and evaluating the value of knowledge.
Business Studies	In the Ethics portion of the course we study about free will and decision making.
History	Throughout the course, we discuss the development of thought throughout history. The analytical skills needed are very similar and students often find the subjects compliment each other.
Sciences	In Ethics, we apply ethical theories to topics such euthanasia.
Sociology	In Christianity, we analyse the role and impact of gender roles, as well as secularism and the increasing impact of society on religious thought.

The Russell Group of top universities has made it clear that Religious Studies provides 'suitable preparation for university' and Oxford and Cambridge include it in their top level list of 'suitable arts a levels’.

Skills

Clear and disciplined thinking and reflection
Analysis of sacred writings
Evaluation of philosophical and ethical concepts
Application of ethical theories to key issues

Examinations

Paper 1: Christianity

Paper 2: Philosophy of Religion

Paper 3: Ethics and Religion

Which topics are assessed?

Religious figures and sacred texts
Religious concepts and religious life
Significant social and historical developments in religious thought
Religious practices that

shape religious identity

Which topics are assessed?

Arguments for the existence of God
Challenges to religious belief
Religious experience
Religious language

Which topics are assessed?

Ethical thought
Deontological ethics
Teleological ethics
Determinism and Free will

How are they assessed?

Written examination – 2 hours
100 marks in total
33.3% of A Level

How are they assessed?

Written examination – 2 hours
100 marks in total
33.3% of A Level

How are they assessed?

Written examination – 2 hours
100 marks in total
33.3% of A Level

What are the questions like?

A) Explain issues raised by the use of male language about God. [20]

B) ‘Understanding God as mother weakens the traditional idea of the
Christian God.’ Evaluate this view. [30]

A) Explain ways in which God’s love is a potential model for Christian behaviour. [20]

B) ‘God’s behaviour towards human beings is not an ideal basis for Christian
morality.’ Evaluate this view. [30]

A) Explain Crossan’s view that Jesus was a social revolutionary. [20]

B) ‘The apocryphal gospels are not a valid basis for understanding Jesus.’ Evaluate this view. [30]

What are the questions like?

A) Examine the main criticisms of religion made by New Atheism. [20]

B) ‘Religious responses have overcome the challenges from New Atheism.’
Evaluate this view. [30]

A) Explain how religious language can be
understood as a language game. [20]

B) ‘The strengths of language games outweigh the weaknesses.’ Evaluate this
view. [30]

A) Examine the Teleological Arguments for the existence of God as presented by Aquinas and Paley. [20]

B) ‘Teleological Arguments for God’s existence are still persuasive in the 21st
century.’ Evaluate this view. [30]

What are the questions like?

A) Apply Proportionalism to the issue of capital punishment. [20]

B) ‘Proportionalism promotes immoral
behaviour.’ Evaluate this view. [30]

A) Apply Rule Utilitarianism to the issue of animal experimentation for medical research. [20]

B) ‘Pleasure is the sole intrinsic good in life.’ Evaluate this view. [30]

A) Explain Divine Command
Theory. [20]

B) ‘Morality is clearly whatever God
commands.’ Evaluate this view. [30]

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Religious Studies Alumni

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Religious Studies

Why Religious Studies?

Is Religious Studies compatible with my other options?

Skills

Religious Studies Alumni

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