Religious Education

Religious Education is highly regarded by universities and employers as it focuses on the key skills of reflection and critical analysis, high order skills that are highly sought after in undergraduates and employees in today’s competitive job market.

Religious Education is compatible with a vast array of courses from humanities subjects, English, Social Sciences and especially those students considering a career in the sciences as well as various other courses.

GCSE Entrance Requirements:

  • English Language - Grade 5

  • Religious Education - Grade 5

    OR

  • Humanities Subject - Grade 5

More info:

Combines well with:

Head of Department:

Mr M Winwood - mwinwood@hswv.co.uk

WHAT YOU STUDY

Ever since humankind started to think, asking questions has been a fundamental part of our development. As people look into the vastness of space or witness the miracle of birth, they contemplate the meaning of life and their own mortality. It has always been this way. In the 21st Century, Religious Education still addresses the same eternal human questions about life and death, values and relationships, right and wrong.

This course encourages students to develop their interest in a study of religion and its relation to the wider world, reflect on and adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of philosophy and ethics as well as developing their own values, opinions and attitudes.

HOW YOU STUDY

In the final exam students take three papers in the areas of study chosen. Students are required to answer three essay questions from a choice of five in each exam. The three units of study are Philosophy of Religion, Religious Ethics and Development in Religious Thoughts.

You will be asked essay-style questions in which you may be expected to use material from more than one area within the unit, to draw comparisons and to assess the relative significance of different aspects of the unit.

The second year of Religious Education enables students to study in greater depth aspects of one or more religions, including textual, theological, ethical, phenomenological and philosophical perspectives.

DEPARTMENT STRENGTHS AND RESOURCES

We have a dedicated and experienced department with a proven track record at both GCSE and A-Level. A key focus of the course is the transferable skills that Religious Education gives students that not only improves their performance in the subject but within their other subjects and their studies and careers in the future.

All students are provided with both the Religious Education core textbooks which are theirs to keep for the duration of the course.

PROGRESSION TO UNIVERSITY/CAREERS

The skills that you will learn in Religious Education will be useful to you in any number of careers; Teaching, Youth Work, Journalism, Civil Service or Government to name a few. If you’re thinking of a career in Law or Medicine, then a Religious Education A-Level is looked upon favourably for undergraduate courses too. Religious Education is highly regarded by universities and employers as it focuses on the key skills of reflection and critical analysis, high order skills that are highly sought after in undergraduates and employees. We have also had many students go on to study Philosophy and related courses at degree level.

OUR SUCCESSES

In the last academic year 100% of students passed their A Level Religious Education course, with 67% achieving an A*-B grade and 33% A*-A.