GCSE Religious Studies (Short Course)
Each student at RMGS continues with Religious Studies through Key Stage Four. The programme of study is based on the OCR Religious Studies B (Philosophy and Applied Ethics). At the end of the two years students are accredited with a short course GCSE. The course engages students through the study of the Philosophy of Religion in Year Ten and the study of Applied Ethics in Year Eleven. These are studied through the perspective of Christian theology. Throughout the course students need to develop the skills of reflection, analysis and evaluation. Students will be encouraged to join in discussions, respond to the opinions of others and develop their own ideas about Good and Evil; the relationship between Religion and Science; Relationships and Medical Ethics.

GCSE Religious Studies Full Course
Religion is a significant force in the contemporary world. It motivates human ideas and behaviours, shaping societies and cultures both for good and ill. Religion is at the heart of many local, national and global acts of generosity and community building. It can also be a source of conflict and division, particularly where prejudice, ignorance and intolerance exist. Understanding how religion works can help you to understand current events. Understanding religion also helps you to understand people and what inspires them.
To study RS at RMGS is to look into the fundamental ethical questions which frame human existence such as: When does life begin? When is it ever just to start a war? Why are people prejudiced? What are the aims of punishment? Is Euthanasia ever right? Is the current UK legislation on drugs right? Is it morally acceptable to test on embryos? These are the fundamental ethical questions that are at the heart of GCSE Religious Studies at RMGS. These questions are studied through the perspective of Buddhism and follow the AQA syllabus B.
Buddhism is a major world faith which encompasses a philosophical way of life. It involves right thought as well as right action and addresses the individual holistically. Through the applied study of Buddhism to these ethical issues students will develop their critical thinking skills.
A qualification in Religious Studies is a real asset for many careers and is of particular benefit to anybody working with other people.
The topics studied are as follows:
• Buddhist Attitudes to Matters of Life (Medical Ethics) including cloning and embryology, attitudes to the Elderly and Death including euthanasia, Buddhist attitudes to Drug Abuse and Crime and Punishment, attitudes to Rich and Poor in British Society and to World Poverty. All these topics form part of one examined paper.
• Buddhist attitudes to Animal Rights and Planet Earth, Prejudice, attitudes to Early Life including abortion. Buddhist attitudes to Religion, War and Peace and Young People including birth and initiation ceremonies. All these topics form part of one examined paper. There is no coursework.
The examination consists of two papers. Each 1.5 hours long.