Key Stage 4 – GCSE Religious Studies

At St Bonaventure’s, all students study GCSE Religious Studies as part of the school’s mission to form young people who are intellectually curious, morally responsible, and rooted in faith. The course allows students to explore key questions about belief, morality, and human existence while deepening their understanding of the Catholic tradition.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales emphasises the importance of Religious Education in Catholic schools, stating that:

“Religious Education is the core of the core curriculum in a Catholic school.”

Through the GCSE course, students engage with Catholic beliefs and teachings while also learning about other religious traditions. In line with the expectations of the Religious Education Directory (RED), the subject helps students reflect on fundamental questions about belief, meaning, purpose, and truth, encouraging them to consider how faith influences individuals and communities today.

Students study Catholic Christianity and Judaism, examining sacred texts, religious practices and ethical teachings. They also develop the ability to analyse and evaluate different viewpoints and construct well-reasoned arguments about complex philosophical and ethical issues.

The Bishops’ Conference highlights that Religious Education should help young people:

“develop a knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith and of other religions and worldviews, enabling them to engage with the cultural and religious diversity of modern society.”

Throughout the course, students encounter sources of wisdom and authority such as the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Church teaching, and the Torah. They learn how these sources guide believers and shape moral decision-making.

Religious Studies also develops valuable academic skills, including discussion, critical thinking, and extended writing. These skills support students across the curriculum and prepare them well for A Level Religious Studies and other humanities subjects.

These skills are highly valued in further study and in many careers. As employers note, understanding religion and belief is essential for working effectively in a diverse society.

Course Overview

Students study the GCSE in Religious Studies (Edexcel Specification A). They will take the following exam papers:

  • Paper 1A: Catholic Christianity (1h 45mins / 50%)
  • Paper 2F: Judaism (50mins / 25%)
  • Paper 3A: Philosophy and Ethics [Catholic Christianity] (50mins / 25%)

Edexcel GCSE Specification

 

Paper 1: Study of Religion – Catholic Christianity (1A)

Students study Catholic Christianity as a lived religion in the United Kingdom and throughout the world.

Beliefs and Teachings

  • The Trinity
  • Creation and the nature of humanity
  • The Incarnation and the life of Jesus
  • The Paschal Mystery (death and resurrection of Christ)
  • Salvation and grace
  • Catholic beliefs about life after death

Practices

  • The seven sacraments
  • The Mass and liturgical worship
  • Prayer and forms of devotion
  • Pilgrimage
  • Catholic Social Teaching
  • Mission and evangelism

Sources of Wisdom and Authority

  • The Bible and its interpretation
  • The magisterium of the Church
  • The Second Vatican Council
  • The Church as the Body of Christ
  • Sources of moral decision-making

Forms of Expression and Ways of Life

  • Church architecture and symbolism
  • Religious art and imagery
  • Sacred objects and symbols
  • Drama and music in worship

Paper 2: Study of a Second Religion – Judaism (2F)

Students develop an understanding of Judaism as a living faith tradition.

Beliefs and Teachings

  • The nature of God
  • The Shema and the covenant
  • The Messiah
  • Life after death and the World to Come
  • The Torah as a source of authority

Practices

  • Worship in the synagogue and home
  • Prayer and the Shema
  • Shabbat
  • Jewish festivals such as Pesach and Yom Kippur
  • Dietary laws (kosher)
  • Rites of passage including Bar and Bat Mitzvah

Paper 3: Philosophy and Ethics – Catholic Christianity (3A)

Students explore philosophical and ethical questions from a Catholic perspective.

Arguments for the Existence of God

  • The Design Argument
  • The Cosmological Argument
  • Challenges from science and atheism
  • The problem of evil and suffering

Relationships and Families in the 21st Century

  • Marriage and family life
  • Sexual relationships
  • Divorce and remarriage
  • Contraception
  • Gender equality and roles in society

Skills Developed

Through GCSE Religious Studies, students develop:

  • critical thinking and evaluation
  • clear and logical argument
  • analysis of religious texts
  • An understanding of diverse beliefs and cultures.

These skills are highly valued in further study and in many careers. As employers note, understanding religion and belief is essential for working effectively in a diverse society.

See resources on RE Dept Website