Religious Studies

Taught at Kenilworth School & Sixth Form

Exam Board: OCR 

Assessment Method: Three separate two hour exams. One for each area of study.   

Why Should I Follow This Course? 

Religious Studies: Philosophy and Ethics offers you a fascinating and intellectually stimulating A Level that goes far beyond what you might expect. It’s a subject that challenges you to think deeply, debate confidently, and understand the beliefs and values that influence individuals, cultures, and societies. 

Choosing A Level Religious Studies: Philosophy and Ethics means choosing a subject that will challenge your thinking, broaden your perspective, and equip you with skills that are valuable for life — not just exams. 

This course is designed to help you grow intellectually, personally, and socially. Here's how: 

Critical Thinking 

At the heart of Religious Studies is the ability to think critically. You’ll learn to: 

• Analyse complex philosophical and ethical ideas 

• Identify assumptions and biases in arguments 

• Evaluate different viewpoints with fairness and precision 

• Develop your own reasoned conclusions based on evidence and logic 

These skills are essential in higher education and in careers that require analytical thinking — such as law, politics, medicine, and journalism. 

Discussion & Debate 

Religious Studies is a subject built on dialogue. You’ll regularly engage in structured debates and open discussions on topics such as: 

• The existence of God 

• The morality of euthanasia 

• The ethics of war and peace 

• The role of religion in society 

Through this, you’ll learn to: 

• Express your ideas clearly and persuasively 

• Listen actively and respond thoughtfully 

• Respect differing opinions while defending your own views 

• Build confidence in public speaking and academic writing 

These communication skills are vital in any career that involves working with people, presenting ideas, or solving problems collaboratively. 

Cultural, Moral, and Ethical Awareness 

In an increasingly globalised and diverse world, understanding different belief systems and ethical frameworks is more important than ever. Religious Studies helps you: 

• Explore how religious and non-religious worldviews shape human behaviour 

• Understand moral dilemmas from multiple perspectives 

• Reflect on your own values and those of others 

• Engage with issues such as human rights, justice, freedom, and equality 

 What will I learn  

Philosophy of religion: 

• ancient philosophical influences 

• arguments about the existence or non-existence of God 

• the nature and impact of religious experience* 

• the challenge to religious belief from the problem of evil 

• the nature of the soul, mind and body 

• ideas about the nature of God* 

• issues in religious language 

Religion and ethics: 

• religious ethical theories: Natural Law & Situation Ethics 

• secular ethical theories: Utilitarianism & The Categorical Imperative 

• the application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance (euthanasia and business ethics) 

• ethical language and thought* 

• debates around the conscience* 

• sexual ethics and its influence on ethical thought/ developments in religious belief* 

Developments in religious thought: 

• The person of Jesus Christ 

• Sources of authority for Christians 

• Augustine’s teachings on human nature 

• Bonhoeffer and moral action 

• Christian teachings on death and the afterlife 

• Knowledge of God’s existence 

• Religion and society* 

• Practices which shape religious thought and tradition* 

• Significant historical and social developments in theology and religious thought* 

Where Will This Qualification Take Me? 

Preparation for Further Study and Careers 

Religious Studies is a respected academic discipline that complements subjects like History, English, Psychology, Sociology, Politics, and Law. It provides a strong foundation for university courses in: Philosophy, Theology, Law, Politics and International Relations, Psychology, Education, Journalism, Medicine and Healthcare (especially in ethics and patient care). 

And it opens doors to careers in: Law and legal professions, Medicine and healthcare, Teaching and academia, Journalism and media, Civil service and government, Charity and humanitarian work, Armed forces and police, Counselling and social work and much more 

Entry Requirements:  A grade 5 or above in English and Math. (A grade 5 or above in Religious Studies is useful but not necessary).