In this course, students are prepared for Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B (1RB0). The following eight units are studied sequentially across Years 10 and 11.
| Unit | Content |
|---|---|
| Unit 1 Christianity: Christian Beliefs | Students begin by exploring central beliefs of Christianity, such as the Trinity, incarnation and the problem of evil. They learn how these beliefs are rooted in Biblical teachings, and investigate the varying interpretations of different branches of Christianity, such as the Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox churches. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively through the use of class work and homework tasks. In the Year 10 February assessments, students' knowledge of the topic is assessed, as well as their ability to respond to exam-style questions. Students then complete mock exams in the summer of Year 10 and in the autumn of Year 11, both of which contribute towards their final predicted grade. |
| Unit 2 | In this unit, students explore Christianity as a lived religion, both in the UK and around the world. Students learn about a range of aspects of religious life, such as prayer, worship and pilgrimage. Students also reflect on the future of Christianity and the wide range of roles played by the church in the local community. Students compare and contrast the practices of different denominations, examining for instance Anglican and Catholic teachings on the Eucharist. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively through the use of class work and homework tasks. In the Year 10 February assessments, students' knowledge of the topic is assessed, as well as their ability to respond to exam-style questions. Students then complete mock exams in the summer of Year 10 and in the autumn of Year 11, both of which contribute towards their final predicted grade. |
| Unit 3 | In this unit, students consider Christian teachings on family life, exploring issues such as divorce and marriage. They also examine issues in wider society, such as the equality of men and women. Students reflect on Christian responses to other points of view, such as those of atheists and Humanists. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively through the use of class work and homework tasks. Students complete mock exams in the summer of Year 10 and in the autumn of Year 11, both of which contribute towards their final predicted grade. |
| Unit 4
| In this unit, students explore Christian teachings on matters of life and death, examining issues such as abortion, euthanasia and life after death. They reflect on the relation between science and religion, and consider whether Christian teachings are compatible with scientific theories. Students learn about ethical theories, such as utilitarianism, and Christian responses to these. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively through the use of class work and homework tasks. Students complete mock exams in the summer of Year 10 and in the autumn of Year 11, both of which contribute towards their final predicted grade. |
| Unit 5 Islam: Muslim Beliefs | Students begin their work on Islam by exploring central Muslim beliefs, such as the nature of Allah, the nature of prophethood and the significance of Muslim holy books. Students learn how these beliefs are rooted in the Qur'an and Hadith, and investigate the divergent interpretations of Sunni and Shi'a Islam. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively through the use of class work and homework tasks. Students complete a mock exam in the autumn of Year 11, which contributes towards their final predicted grade. |
| Unit 6 Living the Muslim life | In this unit, students explore Islam as a lived religion, both in the UK and around the world. Students learn about a range of aspects of religious life, such as prayer, charity and jihad. They compare and contrast the practices of different denominations, examining for instance Sunni and Shi'a celebration of festivals. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively through the use of class work and homework tasks. Students complete a mock exam in the autumn of Year 11, which contributes towards their final predicted grade. |
| Unit 7 Crime and punishment through Islam | In this unit, students consider Muslim teachings on crime and punishment, exploring issues such as the aims of punishment, the role of forgiveness and the use of the death penalty. Students reflect on Muslim responses to other points of view, such as those of atheists and Humanists. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively through the use of class work and homework tasks. Students also complete an in-class assessment in Year 11. |
| Unit 8 Peace and conflict through Islam | In this unit, students explore Muslim teachings on peace and conflict, examining issues such as weapons of mass destruction and Just War theory. Students reflect on issues surrounding conflict, such as violence, war and terrorism. Students learn about ethical theories, such as utilitarianism, and Muslim responses to these. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively through the use of class work and homework tasks. Students also complete an in-class assessment in Year 11. |
