RS is a wide-ranging, academic discipline and one of the fastest-growing subjects in UK schools. An understanding of issues central to Religious Studies is of great value in making sense of today's world, indeed of human life as a whole. The subject will appeal to students who enjoy the analysis and discussion of many of life's fundamental questions, or who want to understand the convictions of others, as well as examining their own beliefs and values.

What is RS @ DLD?

The course focuses on Philosophy of Religion and involves detailed reference to the Judeo-Christian tradition as well as to other religions, notably Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Contemporary issues and secular perspectives are also considered. The course is taught primarily through class discussion, study of textual extracts and relevant video materials. Homework tasks include writing essays, evaluating textbook chapters and revising for class tests.

How is it assessed?

What do I need?

Most importantly you need to have a genuine interest in this subject. You should also have the ability to discuss and reflect upon a wide variety of ideas and opinions in a thoughtful and broad-minded way. Given this, you are likely to enjoy the course and gain much benefit from it.

Good subject combinations

Due to its wide-ranging nature, Religious Studies has connections with many other A level courses. For example, the following topics that we study illustrate these links:

English: considering varying interpretations of the Genesis creation story; the nature of William Wordsworth's mysticism; virtue and vice in Dante's Divine Comedy

Psychology: the religious thinking of Freud and Jung; psychological understandings of religious experience, morality and evil; near-death and paranormal experience

Sociology: the religious thought of Marx; secularisation; fundamentalism

Philosophy: studying thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas and Hume; post-modern thought; free will and determinism; dualism and materialism

Politics: Liberal and conservative religious perspectives; utilitarianism; utopianism; human rights

History: history of philosophy; history of ideas; the Enlightenment; Nazism and Communism

Science: Big Bang and evolutionary theories; medical ethics; Social Darwinism; Quantum theory; nanotechnology; futurism

Geography: environmentalism; global issues, e.g. threats to civilization

After DLD

The academic nature of Religious Studies and its emphasis on essay writing and critical thinking skills mean that is provides an ideal preparation for future study at university. An A level qualification in Religious Studies is highly regarded by universities when considering student applications. Issues relating to religion are of increasing significance and relevance in today's society, and a grounding in religious ideas, as well as the skills developed in Religious Studies, would be of great value in many professions, including the media, the arts, psychology and law.

Questions

Can I do the course in one year? YES, BY JOINING BOTH AS AND A2 GROUPS.

Is Easter Revision available? YES

Do I need to be religious to take this subject? YOU MAY BELONG TO ANY RELIGION OR NONE.