Options Booklet

Exams and Assessment Information • Two one hour and 45 minute exams (100% of final grade). In the exams there will be a choice of questions on each topic studied and candidates will be required to show knowledge and understanding and the ability to evaluate an alternative point of view. Topics are studied from either the view point of Christianity or Islam and a non-religious viewpoint. • Please note candidates will be marked on spelling, punctuation and grammar. What will I learn about? • Different religions and their beliefs on a range of philosophical, ethical and moral issues that affect our world today with particular emphasis on Islam and Christianity • How religions respond to issues such as agnosticism and atheism, marriage and family, matters of life and death (abortion/ euthanasia), crime and punishment, peace and conflict and equality • How the media influences our views on a range of religious, moral and ethical views • How the study of religion relates to the wider world and contributes to our personal, moral, social and cultural development ETHICS, RELIGION & LIFE How will I learn? • Developing an understanding of the different religious views on a range of contemporary moral and ethical issues • Taking part in workshops and discussion forums to develop personal responses and informed insights on fundamental questions and issues about identity, belonging, meaning, purpose, truth, morality, values and commitments • Evaluating viewpoints through reflecting on and developing one’s own values, opinions and attitudes • Adopting an inquisitive and open minded approach to life’s real issues and dilemmas Where could Ethics, Religion & Life take me? • Ethics, Religion and Life GCSE provides an excellent preparation for further study at A Level in subjects such as Philosophy and Ethics, English, History, Politics, Psychology, Sociology and more. • It is also useful for a wide range of careers including: journalism, medicine, social work, teaching and lecturing, law, politics, counselling, management, the police force and the probation service. It also is an excellent preparation for working life in general. Course Specification & further information • This is a full course GCSE (9-1) Religious Studies B from Edexcel (syllabus code 1RBO). More information can be found at www.edexcel.co.uk • Visit the ItsLearning Religious Studies room and the Religion and Philosophy section in the school library • Other useful websites are: -www.bbc.co.uk/education -www.world-faiths.com -www.bbc.co.uk/religion -www.thestudentroom.co.uk -www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize Additional Costs and Entry Requirements • A GCSE textbook is available • Revision guides available to purchase in Year 10 • There are no specific entry requirements for Ethics, Religion and Life 2