Religious Studies is for anyone interested in studying the fundamental questions which all human beings ask; "What is the point of being alive?"; "Who is God?"; "Why do we suffer?"; "What is the right way to live?"; Is there anything beyond death?" The subject gets to grips with people's real lives, what they believe and what makes them act as they do. It is also about societies and cultures often very different from our own, and how these have evolved over time. Religious Studies will appeal to all students enthusiastic and thoughtful enough to want to understand the deeply held convictions of others and to examine their own prejudices, assumptions and beliefs.
The course aims to:
• Develop an interest in and enthusiasm for a rigorous study of religion
• Treat the subject as an academic discipline by developing knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to a specialist study of religion
• Use an enquiring, critical and empathetic approach to the study of religion
Entry with:
GCSE grade B in RS or grade B in a subject requiring good writing skills, eg English or humanities
- The department offers courses which give students the opportunity to study Hinduism and Ethics at AS, then Hinduism and a more philosophical paper on Perceptions of Ultimate Reality, using mainly Hinduism and Christianity at A2. These provide an excellent exploration of religions today.
The approach taken to studying Religious Studies is an objective, open-ended and exploratory one, encouraging debate and enabling students to step imaginatively into the shoes of religious believers in these two traditions. Included in the course are visits to places of worship, contact with people of faith, and the use of a great variety of visual material; all will help to assist this growth in understanding.
Awarding body:
AQA
AS Level Units
Unit 1 & 2: Introduction to Religious Studies.
Two written examinations, 1 hr 15 minutes each.
Hinduism - Beliefs about God, How God is Worshipped, Means to Liberation, Hindu Way of Life.
Religion and Ethics - Utilitarianism, Situation Ethics, Religious Teaching on the Nature and Value of Human Life, Abortion and Euthanasia.
Advanced (A2) Level Units
Unit 3: Studies in religion. Written examination, 1hr 30 minutes.
Hinduism - Early History, Hindu Values and Ethics, Hinduism in the Modern World, Great Thinkers - Hindu Philosophy.
Unit 4: Religion and human experience. Written examination, 1hr 30 minutes.
Perceptions of Ultimate Reality - Concepts of God, The Human Situation in Relation to God, Experiences of God, Talking about God, God in Art and Symbols.
| | Year | Qual | A* | A | B | C | D | E | U | A-C | A-E |
| Religious Studies | 11/12 | A | 1 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
100.0%
|
100.0%
|
| Religious Studies | 10/11 | A | 2 | 7 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
100.0%
|
100.0%
|
| Religious Studies | 09/10 | A | 0 | 3 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
100.0%
|
100.0%
|
| Religious Studies | 08/09 | A | | 11 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
100.0%
|
100.0%
|
| Religious Studies | 07/08 | A | | 17 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
100.0%
|
100.0%
|
| Religious Studies | 11/12 | AS | | 16 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
100.0%
|
100.0%
|
| Religious Studies | 10/11 | AS | | 22 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
100.0%
|
100.0%
|
| Religious Studies | 09/10 | AS | | 6 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
80.0%
|
100.0%
|
| Religious Studies | 08/09 | AS | | 18 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
95.7%
|
100.0%
|
| Religious Studies | 07/08 | AS | | 23 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
96.7%
|
100.0%
|
- • Well-qualified and experienced teaching staff
- • Modern, purpose-built accommodation
- • The department has its own classroom with easy access to an open-access resource area with 20 high specification networked computers
- • Good stock of text books and videos
- • One-to-one support for students
- • Religious Studies website
- • Wide range of resources, books, videos etc. available to students
- • Fascinating trips to Hindu temples in Leicester, London and Hare Krishna community, as well as visits to local churches and guest speakers in College.
“I like Religious Studies because there are trips to various places which are very interesting and help to vary my learning. The lessons are relaxed. The teachers are always on hand and I have some really good friends in the class for help. I would consider Religious Studies as one of my favourite subjects at Hills Road because the teacher’s styles vary and everything taught is of relevance to today’s society.”
Jo Bryant
“Religious Studies lessons at Hills Road are always interesting and engaging. Issues covered and debated are hugely relevant to religious studies as well as wider issues in society; knowledge of such issues contribute towards extending knowledge of other AS / A-Level studies. There is much opportunity for your own research and reading to build on topics studied, and there are many resources provided to help you do so. The atmosphere of the department is very friendly and you feel valued. There are also a variety of interesting and fun trips!”
Claudia Cope