GCSE Religious Studies

Qualification aims and objectives

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• develop their knowledge and understanding of religions and non-religious beliefs, such as atheism and humanism
• develop their knowledge and understanding of religious beliefs, teachings, and sources of wisdom and authority, including through their reading of key religious texts, other texts, and scriptures of the religions they are studying
• develop their ability to construct well-argued, well-informed, balanced and structured written arguments, demonstrating their depth and breadth of understanding of the subject
• engage with questions of belief, value, meaning, purpose, truth, and their influence on human life
• reflect on and develop their own values, beliefs and attitudes in the light of what they have learnt and will contribute to their preparation for adult life in a pluralistic society and global community
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of two religions
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key sources of wisdom and authority including scripture and/or sacred texts, where appropriate, which support contemporary religious faith
• understand the influence of religion on individuals, communities and societies
• understand significant common and divergent views between and/or within religions and beliefs
• apply knowledge and understanding in order to analyse questions related to religious beliefs and values
• construct well-informed and balanced arguments on matters concerned with religious beliefs and values.