- Beliefs and teachings; nature and purpose of God, the Jesus as the word of God, passion narrative, the nature of salvation, problem of evil and suffering
- Practices of Roman Catholicism; seven sacraments, liturgical worship, non-liturgical worship. The worldwide Church, vocation
- Sources of wisdom and authority; origins of scripture, the Magisterium of the Church, role of the Church. Jesus as a role model, the importance of Mary, sources of personal and ethical decision making
- Forms of expression and ways of life; pilgrimage, the purpose of symbolism and imagery, the use and purpose of objects of devotion
GCSE Religious Education at St Edmund’s College is a core GCSE subject, studied by all students.
This course provides opportunities to study:
- Catholic Christianity through a specific focus on the teachings of the Church (50%)
- Judaism (25%) as recommended by the Diocese of Westminster*
- Ethical themes including family life, gender equality, and the sanctity of life (25%)
The strong focus on Catholicism and in-depth study of another religion allows St Edmund’s College to fulfil the demands of the ‘Religious Education Directory’ (2023) issued by the Catholic Hierarchy of England and Wales and endorsed by the Diocese of Westminster.
The course content does not presuppose faith. It aims to strengthen an understanding and faith for those who do believe, and to enable others to appreciate different reasons for religious belief according to the practice of Catholicism.
Head of Department | Miss A Moloney |
Syllabus | AQA 8063YA Specification B (9-1) |
The course enables learners to:
- Acquire knowledge and develop an understanding of the beliefs, values and traditions of Catholic Christianity
- Consider the influence of these beliefs, values and traditions
- Consider religious and other responses to moral issues
- Identify, investigate and respond to fundamental questions of life raised by religion and human experience, including questions about the meaning and purpose of life
- Challenge pupils to reflect on and develop their own values, beliefs and attitudes in the light of what they have learned
- Understand the influence of religion on individuals, communities and societies
- Apply knowledge and understanding in order to analyse questions related to religious beliefs and practice
*The strong focus on Catholicism and in-depth study of another religion allows St Edmund’s College to fulfil the demands of the ‘Religious Education Directory’ (2023) issued by the Catholic Hierarchy of England and Wales and endorsed by the Diocese of Westminster.
Course structure
- Beliefs and teachings; the nature of the Almighty, nature and purpose of the Messiah, the covenants with Moses and Abraham, the nature and sanctity of human life, the problem and responses to evil and suffering.
- Practices; The Tenakh, Talmud and the Torah, the Synagogue, Jewish prayer, worship, religious ceremonies, Shabbat, festivals.
- Religion, relationships and family Life
- The theology of the body
- Gender equality
- Marriage, divorce and annulment
- Human dignity and religious freedom
- Human rights
- Wealth and poverty
- The work of CAFOD and Christian Aid
- Prejudice and discrimination