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Religious Studies
In RS at TLA, we provide students with a broad and balanced curriculum which aims to give students the opportunity to explore a wide range of views, as well as examine and learn to express their own in an environment where they are valued. We encourage our students to ask questions and be curious to develop their critical thinking skills. We aim to develop empathy, respect and understanding in our students and help them to expand their understanding of the world around them and their place within it.
KS3
KS3 Students are introduced to the largest religions in the world, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism. Students also consider alternative world views. As well as key ideas about the beliefs and practices of these faiths, a number of other units are studied which explore the impact of faith on ethical and societal issues, such as medical ethics including euthanasia, stewardship, discrimination and poverty.
KS4
KS4 core Students continue their learning from KS3, with the greatest emphasis on Christianity and Islam as the two most followed religions in the UK. A number of themes are studied, designed to engage students in relevant discussion and critical thinking to give them a broad and balanced understanding of the world and their place within it. Areas covered include ‘Matters of Life’ (including abortion), ‘Crime and Punishment’ (including the death penalty), ‘Relationships and Families’ and ‘Religion in the Media’.
KS4 GCSE In the Religious Studies GCSE programme of study, the exam spans two papers. Paper 1 involves a close study of the beliefs and practices of Christianity and Islam, comprising four units of work in total. For paper 2: Thematic Studies, students study religious, philosophical and ethical arguments related to the issues raised, and their impact and influence on the modern world.
The themes currently studied at TLA are:
A - Relationships and Families - explaining contrasting beliefs on the following three issues with reference to the main religious tradition in Britain (Christianity) and one or more other religious traditions: contraception, sexual relationships before marriage, homosexual relationships.
B - Religion and Life - explaining contrasting beliefs on the following three issues with reference to the main religious tradition in Britain (Christianity) and one or more other religious traditions: abortion, euthanasia and animal experimentation.
D - Religion, Peace and Conflict - explaining contrasting beliefs on the following three issues with reference to the main religious tradition in Britain (Christianity) and one or more other religious traditions: violence, weapons of mass destruction and pacifism.
E - Religion, Crime and Punishment - explaining contrasting beliefs on the following three issues with reference to the main religious tradition in Britain (Christianity) and one or more other religious traditions: corporal punishment, death penalty and forgiveness.
In the KS5 Core curriculum students continue with themed studies. They look at the issues of persecution, poverty, human rights, trafficking, and ethics and morality.
Exam board(s)
AQA GCSE Religious Studies A - Options Christianity and Islam
