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Religious Studies
At Park View we believe that RS provides opportunities for students to consider complex ethical, philosophical and religious questions in a structured and intelligent way, promoting the appreciation of and respect for alternative points of view. Our curriculum is built on the Park View pillars, the values that underpin our curriculum.
Knowledge – students develop their knowledge and understanding of how major world religions offer answers to challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human.
Skills – our curriculum supports students to develop key skills including critical thinking, creating balanced arguments and justifying their opinions, including with reference to sources of wisdom and authority, including scripture.
Inclusivity and Cultural Diversity - Our teaching encourages all students, religious and non-religious, to express their views in an open and comfortable environment without prejudice or judgement. Discussion enables students to ask questions and share their knowledge and experiences with their peers, a very empowering experience for our young people.
Enrichment & Ambition – we are ambitious for all our students. Our curriculum is enriched by a variety of opportunities in the classroom and beyond.
Coherence & Cohesion - our curriculum content is cohesive and coherent. At all key stages students will have opportunities to explore ideas of similarity and difference within and between religions. At Key Stage 3 RS is taught alongside PSHCE and students have the opportunity to make links with PSHCE topics to understand how RS is relevant to their experiences in the modern world.
Love of Learning – our teachers are highly skilled in encouraging students to develop a love of learning. Through our Progress Maps students can take ownership of their progress by tracking their learning over time.
Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3 RS is taught alongside PSHCE and more detail about the topics can be found on the PSHCE curriculum page.
You will be able to consider and reflect on topics including:
Religion and Science
Sanctity of Life
Nature of God
Crime and Punishment
Good and Evil
You will also have the opportunity to learn about the beliefs and practices of Hinduism and Judaism.
GCSE
RS is successful GCSE subject with many students achieving some of their highest grades. The GCSE content builds on the skills and knowledge that students have developed at Key Stage 3.
We follow the AQA A specification which includes 2 components:
Paper 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices
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Christianity
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Islam
Worth 50% of the GCSE.
Exam of 1 hour 45 minutes.
Paper 2: Thematic studies
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Theme A: Relationships and families.
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Theme B: Religion and life.
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Theme C: The existence of God and revelation.
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Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment.
Worth 50% of GCSE.
Exam of 1 hour 45 minutes
Both exam papers follow the same structure. Each religion and theme has a common structure of two five-part questions of 1, 1, 4, 6 and 12 marks.
You can find out more information on the exam board’s website:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-8062/specification
Progression Routes
RS is a well respected GCSE and is regarded as a facilitating subject by top Russell Group universities. RS teaches empathy for others and an understanding of society and culture, critical thinking and analytical skills and logical and persuasive communication skills. It can prepare students for many different careers including medicine and healthcare, the law, the media and journalism and the civil service.
