Religious Studies
What is the aim of Religious Studies?
Religious Studies aims to enable students to develop their knowledge and understanding of religious faiths whilst learning about themselves; their views and opinions, attitudes and beliefs. Religious Studies is an academic subject which gives the opportunity to develop knowledge and reflect on the inner, spiritual side of life. At Trinity School students learn about the major faiths in Britain, a variety of moral issues and reflect on the meaning of values and beliefs and the influences these can have on the world today. Our daily lives are mostly full of things to keep us busy and preoccupied. But every now and then we find ourselves drawn to wonder and ask - what is it all about? Fundamental questions of our human existence stare us in the face as we are confronted with conflict, injustice, pain, evil, suffering, failure and death.
Which courses are offered?
Key Stage Three - Years 7, 8, 9
Students follow a course which enables them to learn about the principal religions in Britain today and reflect on the spiritual experiences of many around the world. A range of teaching and learning methods are used to encourage students to relate to the religious perspectives on the meaning of life.
Key Stage Four - Years 10, 11
The Edexcel specification is followed which focuses on the main beliefs of Christianity and Islam, the two largest world religions and how these respond to a range of moral issues. Topics covered include - marriage, crime, racism, abortion and euthanasia, peace and conflict.
Key Stage Five - Years 12, 13
All AS and A2 students follow the AQA specification Religious Studies at Advanced Level. This course is assessed through examination only and therefore there is no coursework to complete.
At AS level there are 3 one hour examinations in June which cover the following 3 modules:
- Religion and Human Experience
- Introduction to the New Testament
- Religion and Science
The new A2 modules are entitled:
- Studies in the New Testament (John's Gospel)
- The philosophy of religion
- Synoptic unit - this combines knowledge gained and skills learnt in modules 1 and 2.
At A2 level there are 3 examinations of one and a half hours duration.
All students are required to purchase the RS textbook which is used for the AS and A2 course and costs £17. In addition, students have the opportunity to purchase a range of books to support learning, an RS journal and to attend a Sixth Form RS/Philosophy conference every year. Further trips are currently being planned. Advanced level study in RS is proving very popular at Trinity since its introduction in 2002. Numbers at AS level continue to rise and further resources both in the RS department and Sixth Form library have been purchased to support this growth.
RS Visit to Yeovil VIth Form Philosophy of Religion conference
