Religious Education

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Why do I have to study Religious Education?

At KS4 all students follow a course in Religious Education and learn about different beliefs and practices as well as values and traditions from the perspective of Islam and Christianity.

The Religious Education GCSE provides an excellent opportunity for you to engage with contemporary contentious issues, developing social, cultural, political, philosophical and historical awareness. As a subject, it enables the development of critical thinking, communication competence, interpersonal awareness, and intercultural literacy necessary for success in a global society.

How will I be examined?

Component/Paper 1: Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World

  • Written examination: 2 hr - 50% of qualification

Component 2/Paper 2: Study of Christianity

  • Written examination: 1 hr - 25% of qualification

Component 3/Paper 3: Study of a World Faith - Islam

  • Written examination: 1 hr - 25% of qualification

What will I study?

The course consists of three components:

  • Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World including the UK’s ethical issues such as the problem with human rights, approaches to relationships and views on life and death
  • Study of beliefs and practices of Christianity
  • Study of beliefs and practices of Islam

Recommended text books, additional reading and online resources

  • Students follow GCSE (9 - 1) Eduqas (formerly known as WJEC) Religious Studies Route A. Details of this specification can be found at: http://www.eduqas.co.uk/ qualifications/religious-studies/gcse/
  • Eduqas GCSE (9 – 1) WJEC Religious Studies Route A by Joy White, Chris Owens, Ed Pawson, Amanda Ridley

Withdraw from RE: Parental right to withdraw children from RE.

The right of parents to withdraw their children from religious education (RE) lessons is set out in section 71(1) of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.

A parent of a student at an academy can request that their child is wholly or partly excused from:

  • Receiving RE given in the school in accordance with the school’s basic curriculum
  • Attendance at religious worship in the school.

Parents who withdraw their child from all or part of the school’s RE curriculum do not have to provide a reason. The school must comply with their request, although a school should ensure parents or carers are informed of this right and are aware of the educational objectives and content of the RE curriculum.

If students are withdrawn from RE, schools have a duty to supervise them, though not to provide additional teaching or to incur extra cost. Students will usually remain on school premises. Parents are not permitted to supervise their child during these lessons.

The rules that apply to withdrawing students from RE lessons do not apply to other lessons that look at religion. Therefore, a student cannot be withdrawn from any National Curriculum subject, even if they teach about religion, other than RE or some aspects of sex and relationship education (RSE).

If you think you would like to discuss withdrawing your child from RE lessons, please contact the school at info@watersidecst.org for the attention of the Head of RE.

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