Religious Studies

Course summary

Why choose to study Religion, philosophy and ethics? What is a good life? Do I have a soul? Is life suffering? What is virtue? In this course we will look at these crucial questions for human existence from a diverse range of perspectives. You will learn about one of the world’s most loved and often misunderstood belief systems, and explore ideas that challenge our understanding of the life and the universe. During the course you will learn in the following ways:• Discussion and debating–this involves sharing your ideas and listening carefully and reflecting on the ideas of others in order to reach a better understanding • Making notes – this is a vital skill whether in school during lessons or in private study time- this will ensure you have the information needed to prepare you for the assessments • Essay writing skills – this will help you to communicate your ideas clearly and coherently. It will also prepare you well for Year 13 assessments which involve extended written answers • Reading – this course is demanding and requires you to be able to read extensively both in class and outside lesson time. As well as textbooks reading journals, magazines and newspapers will assist your progress as well as depth and breadth of understanding • Film and discussion programmes are extensively used to support your learning • Student presentations are used to encourage responsibility and deepening your knowledge of the course content. The preparation of these allows you to develop your individual research skills which will be valuable later • Visits and visitors are arranged to help you understand the importance of the topics we study outside the classroom. We take advantage of the rich religious and cultural opportunities that living in London provides.