Religion & Philosophy

In Religion and Philosophy (RP), we aim to promote an ethos of understanding of different worldviews through a discovery of world religions, and philosophical and ethical issues. We encourage students to consider their own thoughts and beliefs about a variety of 'big questions' which have puzzled humans for centuries and formulate their own 'answers' based on analysis of the ideas and beliefs of others.

In Key Stage 3 all students cover programmes of study which include investigations into specific world religions and units which have a sociological, philosophical, or theological approach to issues of worldviews. Please also see our Key Stage 3 Extension Reading Journey.

All students in year 10 will follow a Core RP course once a fortnight, which focuses on philosophical and ethical issues relevant to life in the 21st Century world. This is an extension of the studies that students will have followed in Key Stage 3.

In Key Stage 4, RP is also an option for GCSE. We study the OCR GCSE J625 course, following components 01, 02 and 06 - Christianity, Islam and Perspectives in religious thought through the religion of Christianity.

Religious Studies can also be studied at A Level. We study the OCR A Level H573, following components 01 – Philosophy of Religion, 02 – Religious Ethics and 03 – Developments in religious thought through the study of Christianity.

If you have any questions about our curriculum please contact us via the main office or use our Enquiry Form.

MAIN TOPICS COVERED

YEAR 7	Why are questions essential when learning about worldviews What role do religious and non-religious worldviews have in the world today? What role does the concept of prophethood have in shaping worldviews? How relevant is the Bible and Biblical teaching in the lives of Christians in the world today? Are religious or non-religious views more useful when contributing towards the concept of a green future?
YEAR 8	How do worldviews impact on our decision making? Is ‘religion’ an outdated concept or a useful way of thinking about different ways that people live their lives? What does it mean when we talk about the Divine? Is it more difficult to be good if you are religious?
YEAR 9	Which arguments for the existence of God are most unconvincing? How reasonable is it to believe in a benevolent God in a 21st Century world? We think, therefore, are we? How do we know what we know – an introduction into philosophical thinking. Is non - violence ever the only answer? Jihad, Pacifism, Just war, Conflict, Ahimsa. How important is personhood when making ethical decisions?
YEAR 10 Core - Religion & Philosophy	Students follow a non-examined Core RP course one lesson a fortnight in Year 10. The topics studied include: Early western philosophical thinking Ethical issues in the 21st Century
YEARs 10 & 11 GCSE - Religion & Philosophy	For GCSE we follow the OCR religious studies J625 (9-1) specification. The two religions that we study are Christianity and Islam and for the Religion, Philosophy and Ethics in the modern world paper we approach this from the perspective of Christianity. Component 1 – Beliefs, teachings and practices from two religions. Christianity - (J625 - 01) Islam - (J625 - 02) Component 2 - Religion, Philosophy, and ethics in the modern world from a Christian perspective. (J625 - 06) Relationships and families The existence of God Religion Peace and conflict Dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes
YEARs 12 & 13	Philosophy of Religion (01) 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 Religious Ethics (02) 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 Developments in Religious thought – Christianity (03) Students select one religion to study systematically: Christianity (03) They explore: 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.

Examination Board and Specifications

Please also refer to our Exams page for further information.

Key Stage 4

GCSE Religious Studies: OCR Exam Board (course code J625AA)

Key Stage 5

GCE A Level Religion Studies: OCR Exam Board (course code H573A)

Back to Subjects Menu

Bartholomew School GCSE Results 2024

Congratulations to all involved in another year of excellent results at Bartholomew School, which is testament to students' hard work and the support provided by home and school. We are delighted!