This GCSE enables you to develop skills that are invaluable in many career choices. You will develop your ability to debate topics that fill our news every day as well as ensuring you understand varying opinions and beliefs about these.
The course is divided into two papers one being examined at the end of year ten the other at the end of year eleven. Both papers carry 50% of your final grade with no course work.
Religon and Life Issues
You will also study moral issues such as
• The concept of the sanctity of life in relation to medical research and practice in the areas of:
• Human genetic engineering, including designer babies, saviour siblings.
• Embryology
• Cloning
• Stem cells (thereputic)
• Transplant surgery
• Blood transfusion
• Experiments on humans
• The problems associated with the definition of death and the significance of the heart and the brain together.
• The issue of the right to self-determination in relation to euthanasia.
• The distinction between active and passive euthanasia and the contemporary debate about euthanasia.
• The comfort given by religions to the dying and the mourning and beliefs about life after death.
• The handling of young offenders.
• The effects of imprisonment.
• Issues arising out of parole and early release.
• The debate about the death penalty (capital punishment).
• The reasons why illegal drugs may be taken; physical, mental and social consequences of taking drugs for social and recreational purposes.
• Issues concerning obtaining drugs and the effects on other people, e.g. stealing to pay for their habit, drinking or taking illegal drugs while driving, family problems.
• The effectiveness of methods aimed at reducing drug abuse and rehabilitating users.
• The law and drugs, including the debate about the classification and legal status of different drugs, including cannabis, ecstasy, heroin, solvents and alcohol.
Religious Philosophy and Ultimate Questions
In this unit you will study philosophy and learn to analyse what we take for granted in the world around us. The scene from the film The Matrix where Neo is invited by Morpheus to either learn what is real or stay in an illusionary world is actually taken from ancient Greek philosophy.
• Ideas of what would count as immortality – reincarnation, resurrection, rebirth, a legacy, as a memory of others.
• The problems associated with any of these options of immortality.
• Evidence of immortality, such as scriptural accounts, ghost experience, channelling, near death experience, revelation.
• The problem of evil – a defenition.
• What is evil? – examples and defenition.
• What is nature? – impersonal force, a personal being, or psychological phenomena?
• Where does evil originate?
Why Study this course?
We think that there are some really good reasons to choose this course.
1. The topics are really interesting, giving us lots of opportunity for discussion.
2. The topics explore some of the ultimate questions of human existence and are therefore highly relevant.
3. You will develop your understanding of the world in which you live and of the people with whom you work.
4. You will develop skills in clear thinking, communication and in the ability to formulate logical arguments.
5. You will develop skills in how to express your thoughts in your written work.
Frequently asked Questions
Do I have to be religious to take RE?
“No! Most definitely not” It just means we have excellent debates!
What can you do with RE?
This subject is one of the Humanities and is accepted and valued by colleges, universities and employers. You can do anything you like with RE!
If any of your questions remain unanswered, when you have read this post, please do not hesitate to contact the RE Head of Department, Miss Nicholls, or any other member of the department.
