GREENHEAD COLLEGE

Religious Studies Department

Student Handbook

Welcome to the Department of Religious Studies at Greenhead College

The Religious Studies course you are about to follow here at Greenhead is interesting and it is hoped that you will find your studies enjoyable and stimulating. You may or may not have studied the subject at GCSE but don't worry, any prior knowledge is not expected The subject is taught by Jane Burrows.

Your lessons will take place in F11 where the central bank of resources for the subject is kept. You can borrow these at any time.

Why study R.S.?

The best reason is enjoyment! The subject complements a wide range of arts, humanities, science and social science subject combinations. The syllabuses at Greenhead College will deepen your knowledge and appreciation of the nature of religious belief. It is hoped that, by studying the subject, you will arrive at a better understanding of it, whatever your reactions to it. Equally important, you will have a better understanding of yourself and your world, in whatever direction this may lead you.

What is R.S.?

It is the study of religions, philosophy and ethical systems; the subject asks meaningful questions about human spirituality that has been, and still is, a dynamic force in the shaping of history.

Who does R.S.?

You don't have to be a budding vicar! It's for anyone who's interested in religion and philosophy. Some theologians are practitioners of a religion; some are agnostic; some are atheist. If you have an enquiring mind, are receptive to new ideas and enjoy asking fundamental questions about important issues, then A Level Religious Studies at Greenhead College is the right subject for you!

The Syllabus

The department offers a variety of courses with OCR that will suit students who wish to pursue the subject over either one or two years of study.

Level	Subject	Course components	Assessment
AS*	Philosophy of Religion & Ethics	Foundation module Philosophy module Ethics module	3 x 90 minute examinations
AS*	Philosophy of Religion	Foundation module 2 x Philosophy modules	3 x 90 minute examinations
AS*	Ethics	Foundation module 2 x Ethics modules	3 x 90 minute examinations
A2**	Philosophy of Religion & Ethics	Philosophy module Ethics module Synoptic unit	3 x 90 minute examinations
* These options are all available as discrete one year AS courses ** This option is available as a one year A2 course which provides progression to the completion of a full A Level in RS. Entry requirement is the completion of the AS course in Philosophy and Ethics.

"And careerwise, at least, theology has stood us in good stead ... Between us, there is a television researcher, a theatrical agent, a Walt Disney producer, an artist, a court reporter, a primary school teacher, a financial journalist, a literary agent, a night club singer and a spy."

Clare Garner, journalist with The Independent on her university theology classmates.

What will you study?

Below are just some examples of areas of study (a full syllabus will be given to each student at the beginning of the course):

AS	Philosophy of Religion
	major influences on the philosophy of religion arguments for the existence of God Aristotle, Plato challenges to religious belief from the problem of evil to science & psychology
AS	Ethics
	ethical language concepts within ethical theory, e.g. Natural Law medical ethics, e.g. abortion, euthanasia

A2	Philosophy of Religion
	life after death nature of religious experience & miracles religious language
A2	Ethics
	free will & determinism role of conscience religious ethics practical ethics, e.g. sex & relationships, war, peace & justice
A2	Synoptic unit
	The compulsory synoptic unit tests your understanding of AS & A2 & your ability to make connections between two areas of study; Philosophy and Ethics: free will, conscience & human responsibility implications for ethics of theories of psychology & sociology relation between ethical language & religious language

Teaching and learning

How will you learn?	What skills will you acquire?
Lectures/formal lessons	Note-taking skills Assimilation of material Formulation of appropriate questions and answers (written and oral)
Group work	Research Discussion skills Listening skills Formulation of written and oral argument
Presentations	Working with others Communication Production of resources using IT Presentation of user-friendly information
Essay writing	Formulation of written arguments Examination techniques (timed questions) Analysis of questions Revision techniques
Research	Knowledge of where and how to find sources How to use and record sources Negotiating and meeting deadlines
You will be asked to review your acquisition of skills as the course progresses
You will have the opportunity in Religious Studies to complete tasks that will enable you to collect evidence for your Level 3 Key Skills portfolio.

Monitoring

Monitoring interviews take place formally twice a year, (in addition to informal discussions). The aim is to build up successful working relationships in which you take responsibility for your own learning and in which the teacher is your guide.

A grade is reached based on your work to date, your potential, attitude and aptitude.

Your presence/absence is recorded every lesson - if your attendance record gives cause for concern, tutors and parents are informed.

What students can expect from the department

· clear instruction and guidance about the subject content of each option

· clear definition of the study skills required

· appropriate teaching, setting and constructive marking of work

· regular reports and assessment of progress that will take account of ability and individual objectives for the future

· further review of progress whenever necessary

· encouragement to take responsibility for individual work and progress

· approachable staff, willing to offer help and advice

What the department expects from the students

· prompt arrival at all timetabled classes with appropriate files and books

· full attendance

· advance notice of planned absence so work can be given

· an explanation for any absence and a commitment to make up work missed

· prompt completion of all work to negotiated deadlines

· respect for departmental resources

· systematic use of study time to follow up and consolidate work covered in class - it is suggested that students spend 4 hours per week on independent study for each subject

· respect for the beliefs and opinions of others

Marking

· is a positive and supportive dialogue

· work will be marked to external assessment standards - you will receive a copy of the official marking scheme

· occasional problems with deadlines do arise and will be treated sympathetically but deadlines will be negotiated and it is up to you to ensure that you meet them

· extra work will always be welcomed and marked

Revision

· it is essential that you review completed work - revision is not something you only do the night before an exam!

· formal revision sessions are built into the schemes of work

· there will be a timed question under exam conditions at the end of most topics - it is important to view these positively as practice does make perfect!

Resources

· all students receive a copy of the standard text books

· departmental resource-based learning packs are used for some topics that encourage you to work at your own pace

· handouts which cover most aspects of the course

· CD ROMs are very useful for providing additional information about research topics


videos on topics and related issues

· the libraries at college and the University of Huddersfield; your own local facilities

· your teacher

And finally....

You are valued at Greenhead College as an individual - our aim is to make your AS and A2 years enjoyable, interesting and stimulating. Never be afraid to ask for help or advice while following your Religious Studies course.

Think positively.. And you will succeed!

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