GCSE Religious Studies (AQA)

A little info about this class...

GCSE Religious Studies will follow the AQA Specification A course. The course will equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, confidence and exam preparation to take their GCSE examination. AQA Specification A divides the course into two papers:

Paper 1 – The Studies of Religious Beliefs Teachings and Practices. In these lessons you will investigate Christianity and Islam, developing a clear comprehension of the religion’s foundations, the followers’ beliefs, and how they are integral to their daily lives. You will study scripture, evaluating and analysing how interpretation informs beliefs.

Paper 2- Thematic Studies. This is an ethics-based paper focusing upon differing ethical perspectives, of religious and non-religious beliefs, and the impact and influence on the modern world. You will investigate a range of topics from peace and conflict, human rights and crime and punishment; and studying how religions interpret, define and change society through their laws and practices. You will also investigate how these faiths have helped to form, and continue to develop, in a modern multi-faith society in the UK.

In the Autumn term we will begin Paper 1, exploring Christianity Beliefs Teaching and Religious Practice.

You will be expected to do 1 – 2 hours of independent work each week.

Due to some of its themes and content of this course, the age for this class is 14 – 16. If your child is younger than 14 but you would like them to study this course, please make sure that you are aware of the content and either watch the recordings before your child watches them or watch the lessons with your child to ensure that you are happy with the content and can talk it through with your child.

For safeguarding purposes, each Zoom lesson includes a brief registration at the beginning which requires children to have their webcam switched on. If your child would like to join lessons but is anxious about this, please get in touch, and we can arrange an alternate method of registration for them.

The full content for GCSE RE (AQA Specification A) is covered in 24 months. Please be aware that all our GCSE courses offer a rolling curriculum and cater for children with a wide range of abilities, previous knowledge/study and willingness to work independently. Although we cover the curriculum in the period stated, it is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that your child has covered and understood the entire syllabus, kept appropriate notes and has carried out exam practice before they sit their exam. Our teacher will give short exam practice throughout the course and teach the children how to answer the questions, but it is a good idea for your child to sit practice exam papers in the run-up to their actual exam. Our teachers are always happy to help and advise but please make sure you know what your child has studied and areas that need more work before they are ready to sit the exam.

Optional Resources for this Class 

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AQA GCSE Religious Studies A: Christianity and Islam Revision Guide: With all you need to know for your 2022 assessments (GCSE Religious Studies for AQA) (Paid Link)

by Marianne Fleming (Author), Harriet Power (Author), Peter Smith (Author

AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (9-1) Workbook: Christianity and Islam for Paper 1: Get Revision with Results Paperback (Paid Link)

by Rachael Jackson-Royal (Author)

AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (9-1) Workbook: Themes through Christianity and Islam for Paper 2: Get Revision with Results Paperback (Paid Link)

by Dawn Cox (Author)