R.E (A Level)
GCE A LEVEL
Introduction to Course
Religious Studies A Level is linear. Linear means that students will sit all their exams at the end of the course.
There are 3 assessed components.
• Component 1: Philosophy of religion
• Component 2: Religion and Ethics
• Component 3: Development in Christian (Religious) Thought
Students gain critical and evaluative skills sought by higher education and employers – particularly in law, education, social work, politics, medicine, administration and the media. Please visit the designated Sixth Form section to find out more information about the courses we offer.
Our A Level in Religious Studies provides a coherent and thought-provoking programme of study. Students develop their understanding and appreciation of religious beliefs and teachings, as well as the disciplines of ethics and the philosophy of religion.
Exam Board/Specification
Exam Board/Specification OCR- Specification code: H573
Assessment: at the end of their studies students will sit 3 papers with a total of 120 marks, each paper is 2 hours long. The assessment weighting for each component is 33.3% of total A Level.
Assessments take form of an essay requiring students to discuss and evaluate philosophical, ethical and theological approaches and theories.
Content overview:
Modules/Units
Year 13 Curriculum Maps: Ethics, Christianity, Philosophy
| Philosophy of Religion | Religion and Ethics | Development in religious thought | |
| A-Level | 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. | 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. |
| AS Level | 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. | Normative ethical theories The application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance. | 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. |
OCR’s A Level 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. Learners will develop their skills of critical analysis in order to construct balanced, informed arguments and responses to religious, philosophical and ethical ideas.
Aims and learning outcomes:
• develop their interest in a rigorous study of religion and belief and relate it to the wider world
• develop knowledge and understanding appropriate to a specialist study of religion
• develop an understanding and appreciation of religious thought and its contribution to individuals, communities and societies
• adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion
• reflect on and develop their own values, opinions and attitudes in the light of their study
Progression Routes
Religious studies students can move into a variety of careers: law, travel, advertising, human resources, diplomacy, publishing, journalism, the media, teaching, counselling, civil service, charity work.