KS4 Overview
Students continue to study AQA GCSE Religious Sstudies. We focus on Judaism, Christianity and four themes: relationships and families; religion and life; crime and punishment; and human rights and social justice.
We want students to develop the following skills and attitudes:
- critically evaluate religious and non-religious beliefs.
- explain the reasons for diversity within and between religions.
- explain how beliefs impact a person’s life.
- engage with questions about the meaning and purpose of life
- justify their opinions about a range of ethical issues.
Building on KS3 and preparing for KS5…
Our GCSE builds on the knowledge of Christianity and ethical issues at KS3. Students develop the ability to write an evaluative essay which provides a strong foundation for A Level Religious Studies.
KS4 Assessment
In lessons, we have low stakes quizzes to recap prior learning, to assess what students have learnt in the lessons and to address any misconceptions. We use a variety of methods including key word bingo and true/false quizzes. In addition, we embed exam type questions which might be self or peer marked. .
At the end of each unit, we complete a GCSE style assessment which is teacher assessed. Students respond to feedback to improve their answers and to make progress targets.
KS4 Content
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Y10 Content Autumn |
Relationships and Families – in this unit we study religious (primarily Christian) and non-religious views on sex before marriage, adultery, the purpose of marriage, attitudes towards homosexuality, divorce, family life, polygamy and gender equality. |
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Y10 Content Spring |
Relationships and families continued. Christian practices – in this unit we learn about rites of passage, festivals, pilgrimage, evangelism, persecution of Christians, how Christians help the community (foodbanks, street pastors), and worship. |
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Y10 Content Summer |
Christian practices continued. |
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Y11 Content Autumn |
Jewish practices – in this unit we cover the importance of the synagogue for Jews, kosher dietary laws, festivals, rites of passage and worship. |
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Y11 Content Spring |
Religion and Life - in this unit we study religious (primarily Christian) and non-religious views on abortion, euthanasia, animal rights, environmental issues and life after death. |
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Y11 Content Summer |
Revision for exam. |
Exam Board and website link:
AQA Religious Studies A
AQA | Religious Studies | GCSE | Religious Studies A
Details of external assessment:
There are two papers, each one hour and forty-five minutes and each worth 50%
Skills assessed:
- knowledge of key Jewish and Christian beliefs and the reason for diversity within each religion.
- Understanding of how a person’s religious beliefs might influence them.
- Knowledge of religious teachings and how they might be interpreted in different ways.
- Evaluation of beliefs or ethical issues, including the ability to reach a justified conclusion.
Paper 1 - Judaism and Christianity.
Four sections: Jewish beliefs; Jewish practices; Christian beliefs; Christian practices.
Paper 2 – Thematic studies
Four sections: relationships and families; religion and life; religion, crime and punishment; religion human rights and social justice.
Useful links & resources for KS4:
GCSE Religious Studies - BBC Bitesize