You will explore beliefs, teachings, and practices of major world religions, alongside contemporary religious, philosophical, and ethical issues. The course typically includes:

• Component 1: The study of religions - Beliefs, teachings, and practices of two religions: Christianity and Islam. Key areas include sources of wisdom (e.g. scripture), key beliefs (God, afterlife, prophets), worship, festivals, and community life.
• Component 2: Thematic studies - Four themes exploring religious, philosophical, and ethical topics, including: Relationships and families (marriage, divorce, gender equality); Religion and life (creation, abortion, euthanasia); Religion, peace, and conflict (just war, terrorism); Religion, crime, and punishment (justice, punishment, forgiveness). The course encourages critical thinking about both religious and non‑religious views (e.g. atheism, humanism), using sources of authority, and applying teachings to modern issues such as sustainability, equality, and global challenges.

100% exam‑based (linear, all exams at the end of the course): Two papers (each 1 hour 45 minutes, each paper forming 50% of the GCSE):

• Paper 1: The study of religions – beliefs, teachings and practices - Questions on the two religions studied, including multiple‑choice, short‑answer, and extended writing tasks.
• Paper 2: Thematic studies - Questions on the four themes, following a similar format and including evaluation of arguments and application of teachings. Questions range from 1‑mark definitions to 12‑mark evaluation essays (e.g. “Evaluate whether religious teachings provide the best guidance for modern life”). No tiers (single papers graded 9-1).

A‑levels in Religious Studies, A‑levels in Philosophy, A‑levels in Sociology, A‑levels in Law, or Level 3 BTEC in Health & Social Care or Public Services. Many students progress to sixth‑form or college (e.g. Stoke Sixth Form College) for Humanities or Social Sciences degrees, or to apprenticeships that value critical thinking and ethical understanding.

• Teaching
• Social Work
• Counselling
• Youth Work
• Solicitor / Barrister
• Policing
• Civil Service Roles
• Journalism
• Charity / NGO Work
• Human Resources
• Healthcare (e.g. ethics in medicine)
• Community Cohesion Roles
• Interfaith Dialogue Roles
• Public Policy Roles

RE skills are valued in diverse, multicultural workplaces for understanding beliefs, ethics, and empathy.

The course is engaging and relevant, exploring big questions about life, morality, and society while promoting respect for diverse views. It develops strong analytical, debating, and essay‑writing skills transferable to many subjects. The course is accessible to all, encouraging personal reflection, empathy, and supporting tolerance in a multicultural world.

Extremely useful - in a diverse, global society, understanding different beliefs and ethical perspectives helps navigate everyday issues such as relationships, justice, human rights, and current events including conflict, equality, and environmental ethics. Employers value RE for developing critical thinking, balanced argumentation, empathy, and cultural awareness - essential skills in fields such as law, healthcare, education, business, and public services. GCSE RE fosters informed citizenship, respectful dialogue, and ethical decision‑making, helping students thrive in a world full of moral complexity. It enhances employability, broadens university options, and supports lifelong personal development.