Religious Studies

Religious Studies Webinar

Welcome to our Religious Studies webinar!

A-Level Religious Studies

Exam Board: OCR

Introduction:

This qualification is designed to develop a greeted understanding and appreciation of religious beliefs and teachings, as well as the disciplines of ethics and philosophy of religion. Students will develop their skills of critical analysis in order to construct balanced, informed arguments and responses to religious, philosophical and ethical ideas.

The Religious Studies course aims to engage learners thoroughly and develop an interest in Religious Studies which extends beyond the classroom and can be applied to the world around them.

 Where does it Lead to?

Theology and religious studies graduates work in a variety of different roles in a range of employment sectors. Typical employers include:

●        National and local government, including the civil service and government agencies, as well as non-governmental organisations (ngos)

●        schools , colleges and universities (for teaching and research positions)

●        Charities, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations

●        Social services and other caring professions

●        The Church and other religious organisations

●        Financial and legal firms

●        The National Health Service (NHS)

●        PR, advertising, sales and marketing companies

●        Media companies

 Course Detail:

This is a two-year linear course, and all examinations will take place at the end of the second year.

How it’s assessed: 3 X 2 hour written paper. The exam for each component will be worth 120 marks and represents 33.3% of the total marks for A Level.

Component

Marks

Duration

Weighting

Philosophy of religion (01)

120

2 hours

33⅓%

Religion and ethics (02)

120

2 hours

33⅓%

Developments in religious thought (03-07)

120

2 hours

33⅓%

Students must complete all components (01, 02 and one from 03 to 07) to be awarded the OCR A Level in Religious Studies.

Content overview:

Component 01: Philosophy of religion

Component 02: Religion and ethics

Component 03: Developments in religious thought

Students study philosophical language and thought, and issues and questions raised by belief:

  • Ancient philosophical influences
  • the nature of the soul, mind and body
  • Arguments about the existence or non-existence of God
  • The nature and impact of religious experience
  • The challenge for religious belief of the problem of evil
  • Ideas about the nature of God
  • Issues in religious language.

Students explore key concepts and the works of influential thinkers, ethical theories and their application:

  • Normative ethical theories
  • The application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance
  • Ethical language and thought
  • Debates surrounding the significant idea of conscience
  • Sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious beliefs.

Students select one religion from the following to study systematically:

  • Christianity (03)
  • Islam (04) (Taught at SE)
  • Judaism (05)
  • Buddhism (06)
  • Hinduism (07).

They explore:

  • Religious beliefs, values and teachings, their interconnections and how they vary historically and in the contemporary world
  • Sources of religious wisdom and authority
  • Practices which shape and express religious identity, and how these vary within a tradition
  • Significant social and historical developments in theology and religious thought
  • Key themes related to the relationship between religion and society.

 

Assessment objectives (AO)

There are two Assessment Objectives in OCR A Level in Religious Studies. These are detailed in the table below.

 

Assessment objectives

 

AO1

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of religion and belief including:

●        Religious, philosophical and/or ethical thought and teaching

●        Influences of beliefs, teachings and practices on individuals, communities and societies

●        Cause and significance of similarities and differences in belief, teaching and practice

40%

AO2

●        Analyse and evaluate aspects of, and approaches to, religion and belief, including their significance, influence and study.

60%

 

Please see the link/QR code below for more details:

OCR A Level Religious Studies H573 Specification

Key contact: Curriculum Leader – Mrs Ali (nal@slougheton.com)