Religious Studies

Religious Studies
The GCSE course consists of two components, which are studies during Key Stage 4 and examined at the end of the two year period. The assessment is through three examinations and we prepare for them in a creative way, adapted to the needs
Component Group 1
Beliefs and teachings & practices in:
  1. Christianity
  2. Islam There is a 1 hour written exam paper for each of the religions in this component.
Each paper is worth 25% of the total GCSE.
Component Group 2
Students study the following four themes from the perspective of Christianity:
  1. Relationships and families,
  2. The existence of God, gods and the ultimate reality,
  3. Religion, peace and conflict,
  4. Dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes. There is a 2 hour written exam paper in his component, worth 50% of the total GCSE.
We welcome students from all faiths and none, who work together in a lively and interactive way, and whilst the learning of facts is important, it is the ability to think about then, given an opinion and appreciate how they affect real lives that really counts. In particular, the themes in Component 2 enable students to explore attitudes towards contemporary issues including marriage and divorce, gender prejudice, discrimination, justice, war, violence and how those with religious and non-religious views respond to critiques of their beliefs. Students find the ability to think critically and analytically about such issues to be a great asset across the curriculum and beyond.

Although many of us may not practise a religion, Abrahamic faiths have helped shape our culture, society, politics and laws. For life in general and a career which involves dealing with people and making balanced decisions, Religious Studies GCSE provides the knowledge and skills on which to build; and is a highly valued qualification for universities and employers alike.

Students from Borden Grammar School who have gained Religious Studies qualifications have gone on to be academics, bankers, barristers, doctors, journalists, police officers, solicitors and teachers.