Year 11 Religious Studies
Guidance for parents
What will students be studying in Religious Studies this year?
In Year 11 students will continue studying towards the GCSE qualification and complete the final three topics: ‘Christian Practices’, ‘Religion and Life’ and ‘Religion, human rights and social justice’.
In their work on ‘Christian Practices’, pupils explore the meaning and importance of a range of practices. In ‘Religion and Life’, we explore issues ranging from abortion to animal rights. Finally, the unit on ‘Religion, human rights and social justice’, students will consider issues including equality and prejudice.
What are the major assessments this year?
Students complete an end of unit assessment for each topic studied. These assessments are completed in lessons and resemble the style and format of the final examinations. Students also complete a 2 hour mock examination in the Autumn term. There is no coursework component to this course so the final grade is awarded on the outcome of 2 x two hour examinations.
What will the current performance grade be based on, and what do the levels mean?
Until their mock examination, their current performance will be based on the assessments and homework that they complete. Their mock examination result gives us a much better predictor of how they might do in the summer examination and will be used as evidence of their current performance on their written report.
What should my daughter do if she feels she is struggling in the subject?
In the first instance, she should speak to her subject teacher. She should try to identify specific areas of the subject which she is finding a challenge so that we can offer targeted support which may take the form of lunchtime or after school support sessions. In addition she may be assigned a student from the sixth form who can offer help and advice.
How can I support my daughter in Year 11?
The best way to support Year 11 students is to talk to them about their studies. Do try to engage them in discussion by asking them their views on philosophical and ethical issues. Newspapers, television and radio are also a great source of information about religion and other related areas and the ability to access these is very helpful. Students may be directed to attend support and revision sessions during lunchtime or after school and parents will be notified by letter of this. Please encourage your daughter to attend any sessions offered.
What kind of independent work should my daughter be completing?
Students are given regular independent homework to complete and this should be recorded in your daughter's planner. When students’ homework and assessments are marked, they receive a number of targets and corrections and students should be proactive in working on these. Students are also encouraged to read around the topics covered and the school’s library is well-stocked with related reading materials. Students should also try to keep abreast of contemporary issues in the news and discuss these topics with their friends and family outside of lessons.
Who can I contact for further advice and information?
Please feel free to contact the Head of Religious Studies, Ms Harvey, on lharvey@newsteadwood.co.uk if you have any concerns about your daughter’s progress in Religious Studies.