“To know you more clearly” Bishops Conference of England and Wales

GCSE Religious Education aims to challenge our students theologically, ethically and spiritually. It is a rigorous course which addresses the ultimate questions in life and helps to prepare students for their future and faith beyond school. In addition to breadth and depth of academic knowledge, students develop sound justification and evaluative skills and the ability to write coherent arguments.

At St. Joseph’s we study the EDUQAS Route B Catholic Theology course with Judaism as our second religion. The course is delivered by a passionate team of dedicated subject specialists who endeavour to bring the topics to life through the three pillars of our department; spiritual formation, academic development and engagement.

In Year 10 students study:

  • Origins and Meanings: This course examines a range of different creation beliefs, the need for stewardship and environmental sustainability, the ethical implications of abortion from both Catholic and Humanist perspectives, as well as exploring theological art work and the role of charities like CAFOD/SVP/Mini-Vinnies in local and international communities.
  • Good and Evil: This module addresses the question of ‘why does God allow evil?’ Students will evaluate a range of responses and theodicies which attempt to address this difficult question. Students explore how different Christians try to atone for sin and reasons that suggest suffering can be a positive thing. Students have the wonderful opportunity to hear an ex-gangster from the local area speak about his conversion story and to explore sculpture in the Catholic Church linked to issues of good and evil.
  • Judaism: In this course we explore the key beliefs and practices of the Jewish faith. This includes the importance of the Torah and the Covenant in Jewish life, as well as the fantastic diversity of religious festivals, customs and traditions encompassed in the Jewish religion. We try to enhance students’ enjoyment of this religion through engaging a speaker from the local synagogues to give a personal reflection of faith and practice.

 

In Year 11 students study:

  • Life and Death: In this module we explore the existence of an afterlife from a Catholic, Humanist and non-materialist perspective. We also examine the ethics of euthanasia, palliative care and consider the impact of key movements in the Church, such as the Second Vatican Council.
  • Crime, Sin and Forgiveness: Students examine different theories of punishment and the strengths and weaknesses of these for Roman Catholics. We explore the importance of forgiveness using the example of Pope John Paul II. We encourage and hone students’ justification skills through debates about the morality of the death penalty and assess the importance of living in a multi-faith society and the role of evangelisation today.

 

Students are assessed through regular Key Tasks per module to develop written skill and enhance knowledge and creativity around these topics. The course is assessed by three external examination papers at the end of Year 11.

  •  Foundational Catholic Theology 90mins
  •  Applied Catholic Theology 90mins
  •  Judaism 60 mins