Pupils at Stanwell follow the WJEC GCSE Short Courses. In Years 9 and 10 pupils study the Religion and Life Issues Short course consisting of the following units of study:
1. Our World - creation, what it means to be human, animal rights, environmental issues.
2. Is it Fair? - Justice and equality, prejudice and discrimination, charity, wealth and poverty, authority.
3. Relationships - Love, marriage, contraception, divorce.
4. Looking for meaning - Does God exist? Response to God, the nature of God, Death and beyond, symbols and their meaning.
In Year 11 pupils study the Religion and Human Experience Short Course which consists of the following units of study:
1. RELIGION AND CONFLICT
At the core of this module is the study of religion and conflict with a particular focus on peace, forgiveness and attitudes towards war. Through the practices and teachings of two different religious traditions candidates will explore and respond to issues of peace, reconciliation, suffering, forgiveness, non-violent protest and attitudes to war.
2. RELIGION AND MEDICINE
At the core of this module is the way which issues of medical ethics has impacted on
personal choices. Central to the topic is an understanding of sanctity of life and the role that conscience plays in making life and death choices. Through two different traditions pupils should explore practices and teachings concerning abortion, euthanasia, IVF and contraception.
3. RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION
At the core of this topic is the different ways that people express their faith. pupils will be expected to show how the work of a religious charity or organisation exemplifies faith and religious beliefs through its actions and motivation.
4. AUTHORITY-RELIGION AND STATE
At the core of this topic is an exploration of the impact of authority on religion and society. Pupils will be expected to have a clear understanding of what is meant by the key concept of authority and the dilemmas that can be caused between the demand of religion and state.
In following a course based upon this specification pupils are given the opportunity to:
• identify, investigate and respond to fundamental questions of life raised by religion and human experience
• acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of the beliefs, values and traditions of Christianity and Islam
• consider the influence of the beliefs, values and traditions associated with Christianity and Islam
• consider religious and other responses to moral issues.
