Religious Studies
Religion and World Views is a subject for students of all faiths and none at all. Regardless of belief, creed or background, every student at Cockermouth School is challenged and encouraged to reflect upon their beliefs, identify their values, examine their identity and form their own view of what it is to be a citizen of the world. With religion and religious issues appearing frequently in the news, Religious Studies has never been more relevant. Being able to interpret religious issues and evaluate their significance is one vehicle through which students may develop an understanding of our constantly changing world.
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4, students are offered an opportunity to study GCSE Religious Studies as part of their preference subjects. Students who opt to take the course follow the EDUQAS specification.
Through this subject, students are given an opportunity to explore the diverse beliefs and opinions held by people today, encouraging young people to value themselves and the communities within which they live. In tackling difficult questions, it provides students with insight that can work to challenge stereotypes, promote cohesion, and tackle extremism.
This course is divided into three components:
Component 1: Religious, philosophical and ethical studies in the modern world. This component is divided into four themes: Issues with relationships, issues of life and death, issues of good and evil and issues of human rights. Each theme is explored from a religious and non-religious perspective and gives the students an opportunity to also formulate their own ideas and opinions.
Component 2: Study of Christianity. This topic covers two key elements of Christianity: beliefs and teachings and practices.
Component 3: Study of a world faith. For this component Islam is the chosen faith and students gain an understanding of the beliefs and teachings as well as knowledge of Islamic practices.
Further information on the GCSE Religious Studies specification can be found using this link.