GCE Religious Education

Why Religious Education?

It is impossible to avoid religion and ethics in our ever changing world. Religion impacts on everyday life and ethics, our everyday decisions. Both universities and employers are aware that students of Religious Education have developed and are able to utilise skills that can be applied to different situations. They know that you:

  • Are able to formulate an opinion and present it accurately and fully.
  • Are able to discuss and debate ideas on ethical and moral issues.
  • Are aware and can understand different religious viewpoints and form balanced judgements on religious issues.
Course Type: A Level
Exam Board: OCR
Specific Entry Requirements:
Grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language and a Grade 5 in a Humanities subject.
No prior knowledge of Religious Studies is required. However, the opportunity is provided for candidates who have studied Religious Studies at GCSE (either as a Full or Short Course) to build on knowledge, understanding and skills gained at that level.
Course Assessment:
Students will take 3 examinations at A Level with each examination having equal weighting of 33.3% each.
Contact Curriculum Leader for more information:
Miss Roberts
Download Course Leaflet
Sociology students can move on to Higher Education courses and careers in the following areas:
Journalism, Editing, Social Work, Counselling, Charity Work, Human Resources, Law, The Police

Course Outline

Year 1

Philosophy of Religion

In this unit you will be discussing how sources of wisdom and authority are used and interpreted to underpin beliefs and teachings. You will debate the influence of these beliefs and teachings on individuals, communities and societies. Evaluating, analysing and breaking down arguments will be key. You will assess the causes and significance of similarities and difference in understanding of beliefs and teachings in Christianity. Key ideas will be the Ontological Argument and the Teleological Argument, Ancient Greek influences and Philosophical issues such as the Problem of Evil and Religious Experience.

Assessment will be 1 hour and 15 minutes

Religion and Ethics

In this unit you will focus on normative ethical theories and the application of natural moral law, situation ethics and utilitarianism. You will have the opportunity to discuss and be assessed on your understanding of religious and non-religious ideas about the application of these theories to euthanasia and business ethics.

Assessment will be 1 hour and 15 minutes

Development in Christian Thought

In this unit you will focus on the Development and influence of Christian theology. You will have the opportunity to discuss the influence of Augustine on Church doctrine, the person of Christ, implications of a belief in life after death and links to real life examples like Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Assessment will be 1 hour and 15 minutes

Year 2

You will study a range of topics at A Level. You will evaluate ideas about the Nature of God and religious language. You will then discuss the nature and role of religion in society today. Further to this, you will explain meta-ethical theories and how this links to conscience and sexual ethics. There will also be a section on the dialogue between philosophy and religion and how religion is influenced by philosophy of religion, in relation to the issues studied.

Assessment will be 3 exams of 2 hours each. (Philosophy of Religion, Ethics and Religion and Developments in Christian Thought).

Sixth Form at Sandwell Academy

Important Documents

Questions or Queries?

Should you have any queries or comments please contact Miss Duncombe (Sixth Form Admissions Officer) by either:

Email: sixthformadmissions@sandwellacademy.com

Or by post:

Sixth Form Admissions Officer,
Sandwell Academy,
Halfords Lane,
West Bromwich,
West Midlands,
B71 4LG.

Please ensure that the correct postage is paid for the size of envelope used.