Handsworth Grammar School

Religious Studies

Keystage 3

Following an introduction to the world’s religions, students focus on the theme of commitment:

  • Commitment to a faith community shown through worship and pilgrimage
  • Commitment shown by individuals who have gained world recognition for the work they have done
    • Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Gandhi
  • Commitment to a belief system and the implications for daily living
    • Euthanasia, Punishment, Poverty, Drugs, Media, Medical technology

Keystage 4

All students follow the short course offered by AQA Module 2 Key Beliefs Ultimate Questions and life Issues.

Section A: Key Beliefs For one of the Buddhism Christianity Hinduism Islam Judaism Sikhism and Christian Ethics.

Section B: Questions of Meaning

  • Evidence for and against the existence of God/belief in God, the question of suffering, life after death

Section C: Life Issues

  • Abortion war and peace religion and prejudice

Section D: Planet Earth

  • Origin of Life, human attitudes towards animals care of the planet

Keystage 5

Students opt for the advanced courses in Religious Studies which focus on Philosophy of Religion and Ethics. This includes a study of:

  • Philosophical arguments about the existence of God
  • Selected problems in the philosophy of religion
  • Ethical concepts
  • Ethical Dilemnas