AQA 7062

This course offers students the opportunity to have a thorough understanding of diverse philosophical and ethical viewpoints. Through studying this A level students will gain critical and evaluative skills sought by higher education and employers. The course is thought provoking and encourages classroom discussions on a range of contemporary themes. Teaching of the A level is divided into three elements. Students will be taught Philosophy, Ethics and will also embark on a study of Christianity.  This exciting course has been constructed to provide a relevant and engaging scheme of work that is straightforward to assess. Students studying this course will only sit two exams at the end of the two year course. These questions are broken down into segments.

Students who have studied Religious Studies in the past say… “Philosophy and Ethics can be studied at many universities and can lead to many different career paths. If you have an interest in how religion sculpts the world we live in, and the importance of ethics in careers such as medicine, then you should certainly consider this subject”

“The main reason I enjoy Philosophy and Ethics, is that you can apply it to situations you see in your everyday life.”

Religious Studies compliments a variety of career paths and empowers the student to think about the multicultural world we live in. Religious Studies is particularly useful for students who wish to pursue careers in law, education, social work, politics, medicine, administration or the media. High level skills are developed through research, reading, essay writing and discussion. These skills are highly transferable to a number of university courses and employment. The course enriches general knowledge and helps students develop literacy skills through essay writing.  Many of the Russell group universities see Religious Studies as a subject that promotes high level thinking skills and develops a range of other useful skills that help to prepare a student for university life, it can be desirable for analytical courses such as Law.

In the Philosophy of Religion topics you will study six elements. These elements include arguments for the existence of God, Evil and Suffering, Religious language and experience. In Ethics lessons you will look at several ethical theories and relate them to issues of human life and death and also animal life and death. You will also investigate the idea of Free will and moral responsibility.

Assessment of these two topics is by one 3 hour exam that is worth 50% of the A level. The study of religion builds on from GCSE work and looks at sources of wisdom and authority, God, life after death, key moral principles as well as religious identity. It will also look at the dialogue between philosophy and religion and ethical studies and religion. This element of the course is assessed by a three hour exam and makes up the other 50% of the A level.

The Dyson Perrin’s RE department prides themselves on providing students with high quality teaching and learning in small class sizes and revision sessions as well as providing independent study materials to assist transition from GCSE to A level studies. In addition, we offer personalised support throughout the year. From group revision sessions to one to one tutoring. All students are encouraged to share their viewpoints whether from a faith or non-faith perspective. In lessons throughout the year there will be opportunities to practice past examination papers as well as develop a thorough understanding of the marking criteria. All these elements of teaching will support you in achieving your potential in the subject.

In Year 9 the whole cohort study GCSE Religious Studies. Currently students are taught the Full GCSE content over three years and follow the AQA Religious Studies Specification A route. This allows students the opportunity to develop their understanding of the topics and also mature in their exam style before sitting their GCSE examination.

The students study two main world religions as well as four ethical themes. Students will be challenged with questions about beliefs, values, meaning, purpose and truth enabling them to develop their own minds about religious issues. This course helps to empower our students about the world we live in, as well as assisting them to develop analytical and critical thinking skills.

Paper 1: Study of Christianity and Islam. 2x 55 minute papers on the religious beliefs and practices of Christians and Muslims. These two exam papers are sat as one exam.

Paper 2: Thematic study: Relationships and Families, Religion and Life, Existence of God and revelation and Crime and Punishment. These 4 topics make up one exam paper lasting 105 minutes.

We are proud to structure our Key Stage 3 Curriculum in learning cycles. Year 7 and 8 will be taught three learning cycles throughout the year. Each learning cycle includes teaching of the topic content, revision lesson, assessment lesson and reteach lesson. In this way we hope to monitor the academic progress of all learners and allow opportunities to address misconceptions identified in assessments.

Topics taught in the classroom are supported by information in the students’ Knowledge Organiser. This should assist the student in developing good study skills outside of the classroom.

In addition to studying these cycles students will also start to develop key GCSE RE skills that will help to accelerate progress in RE and also support their transition to GCSE RE which we begin in Year 9.

Useful Websites for Year 7 RE:
BBC Religions
Detailed information on world religions:

Woodlands Primary
Basic information on world religions