Exam Board: Eduqas

What does the course consist of?

Philosophy, Ethics and The Study of Religion is a new and exciting subject at GCSE and will enable students to apply philosophical ideas, ethical theories and religious beliefs and attitudes to the world in which they live.  We have been particularly pleased with the level of success students go on to attain at GCSE in this subject.

The Eduqas GCSE in Philosophy, Ethics and The Study of Religion encourages students to be inspired, moved and changed by following a broad, satisfying and worthwhile course that will challenge and equip them to lead more constructive lives.  Students will be encouraged to adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the philosophical and ethical topics as well as developing their understanding of how religion plays a role in their world.

Throughout the 2 years students will study 3 components:

Component 1: This is worth 50% of their GCSE and students will have the opportunity to study Philosophical, Ethical and Religious Studies in the Modern World.  Topics studied include ‘Issues of Life and Death’, ‘Human Rights’, ‘Good and Evil’ and ‘Relationships’.

Component 2: Students will have the opportunity to study the beliefs and teachings of Christianity and how these have had an impact on the world in which we live. This component is worth 25% of their GCSE.

Component 3: Students will have the opportunity to study the beliefs and teachings of an alternative World Faith and how these have had an impact on the world in which we live. This component is also worth 25% of their GCSE.

This new specification offers a great way of engaging students in a modern and stimulating course by looking at relevant issue-based topics which are accessible to all students, regardless of their faith or background.

Assessment and Coursework

Assessment of Philosophy, Ethics and the Study of Religion takes place solely by examination.  As well as being internally assessed throughout the 2 years, students will sit a mock exam at the end of year 10.  These will sufficiently prepare them for their GCSE exam at the end of year 11.

Students will sit three papers at the end of year 11 – Component 1 in Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World, Component 2 in The Study of Christianity and Component 3 in The Study of a World Faith.  This will equal 100% of the total GCSE marks.  Each of the three examination papers are externally assessed.  In all examination papers, students are assessed on both their knowledge and their ability to evaluate.

Skills

Philosophy, Ethics and the Study of Religion at GCSE will enable students to: 

• Explore different belief systems, reflect on fundamental questions and engage with them intellectually and respond personally.
• Enhance their spiritual and moral development and contribute to their health and wellbeing.
• Develop their interest and enthusiasm for the study of philosophy and ethics and relate it to the wider world.
• Enhance their personal, social and cultural development, their understanding of different religions and cultures locally, nationally and in the wider world.
• Reflect on and develop their own values, opinions and attitudes in light of their learning.
  

Careers

In many areas of work, employers look for someone with an enquiring mind, the ability to understand and reflect and someone who values the opinions and attitudes of other cultures and belief systems.  These are all skills that students will develop within GCSE Philosophy, Ethics and the Study of Religion.

More specifically, the knowledge and skills developed within Philosophy, Ethics and the Study of Religion, meet the criteria in a number of careers, for example, Broadcasting, Journalism, Publishing, Politics, Medicine, Business, Police Force and Teaching.