Examination Syllabus for KS4
In line with the other ESF schools we currently use the EDEXCEL GCSE syllabus.
More information on the current and the new syllabus can be obtained from www.edexcel.org.uk as well as specimen papers.
We are waiting for the new specifications but outlined below are the programmes that the current year 10 and 11 follow:
GCSE Religious Studies ( 1478)
The two written papers will consist of four units from A and four from B respectively and the examination will be worth 80% of the final mark lasting one and a half hours each. The two coursework's on worth 10% each respectively.
Alternative A
Unit A2
Four sections are examined by a written examination, a fifth will be examined through a piece of coursework.
Section One: Believing In God
 | How a religious upbringing in a Christian family and community leads some people to believe in God. The nature of religious experience as seen in the numinous, conversion, miracles, answers to prayers, mysticism and how these may lead to belief in God. |
| How experience of life and interpretation of the world as a place of order and purpose may lead some people to believe in God. Detailed knowledge of the traditional arguments for the existence of God will not be required. |
| Why some people do not believe in God or are unsure about belief in God. |
| The problem of evil and suffering existing if God is omnipotent and benevolent. Christian responses to this problem. |
Section Two: Matters of Life and Death
| Arguments about life after death |
| Differences among Christians in their views on resurrection, immortality of the soul, heaven and hell. |
| Christian teachings on the sanctity of life created by God and sacred to God ( Gen 1:26 - 31, Exo 20:13, Romans 14:8, 1 Corinth 6:19 and statements by the churches) |
| the social context of abortion including current legislation in the UK and non religious arguments about abortion. |
| Christian attitudes to contraception and abortion and the reasons for them |
| The social context of Euthanasia, including current legislation in the UK, the different forms of euthanasia and non religious arguments. |
| Differences among Christians in their attitudes to euthanasia and the reasons for them. |
Section Three: Marriage and the Family
| Changing attitudes to co habitation and marriage in Britain |
| Differences among Christians in their views on premarital sex and adultery and the reasons for them |
| The purpose of Christian marriage as seem n the marriage services |
| Changing attitudes to divorce in Britain |
| Differences among Christians in their attitudes to divorce and the reasons for them |
| Changing attitudes to the nature of the family in Britain |
| Christian teachings on the family and how the church helps with the upbringing of children |
| Differences among Christians in their attitudes to homosexuality and the reasons for them. |
Section Four :Social Harmony
| T |
| Biblical teachings on the role of men and women ( Eph 5:22 - 23, Gal 3:28, 1 Tim 2:9 - 14) and how these have led to differing views on the roles of men and women among Christians |
| Prejudice and discrimination and the nature of Britain as a multi ethnic society |
| Christian teachings on racial harmony including the biblical ( Acts 10:34, Luke 10:25 - 37, Gal 3:28) and statements by the modern churches. |
| The contribution of ONE modern Christian person or organisation to racial harmony |
| The quality, variety and richness of life in Britain as a multi faith society and the problems related to this |
| Differences among Christians in their attitudes to other religions and the reasons for them |
Section Five: Coursework
Title yet to be decided - work to start summer 2001
Unit B
Students are given a "directed" choice as to which world faith they would like to study. Again there are four sections which are examined by a written paper and then section five which comprises of one piece of coursework.
Choice from:
| B2: Christianity |
| B5: Hinduism |
| B6: Judaism |
| B7: Islam |
Details of the exact contents of these different syllabi can be obtained from your RS teacher or by visiting the EDEXCEL web page.
For coursework titles please see contents page.
Please note that EDEXCEL will be introducing a new GCSE syllabus next year.