Religious Studies Department

Religious Studies Department - Foyle College
“
Even if a unity of faith is not possible, a unity of love is.
” — Hans Urs von Balthasar

Welcome to the Religious Studies Department

At Foyle College, our Religious Studies department seeks to provide students with opportunities to explore, question, and deepen their understanding of faith. Through this, we aim to support their spiritual growth alongside their academic development.

We encourage pupils to gain knowledge and appreciation of a variety of faiths and belief systems, helping them to foster respect and understanding in our increasingly diverse school, city, and nation.

Key Stage 3: Curriculum Overview

Year 8 Sacred Writings and Symbols (Islam & Judaism) and Faith in Action (Martin Luther King, Elizabeth Fry).
Year 9 Judaism, Moses, and The Slave Trade.
Year 10 Jesus and His Relationships with People (miracles & parables) and Islam.

GCSE

Pupils follow the CCEA specification, engaging with Christianity and Ethics in depth.

Year 11

Unit 4

Gospel of Matthew

  • • The Identity of Jesus & The Miracle Worker
  • • Parables of the Kingdom of God
  • • The Death and Resurrection of Jesus
  • • Christian Discipleship

Year 12

Unit 6

Christian Ethics

  • • Personal and Family Issues
  • • Matters of Life and Death & Bioethics
  • • Contemporary Issues in Christianity
  • • Modern Warfare

A-Level

A-Level Religious Studies is a rigorous academic qualification that fosters critical engagement with text and philosophy.

Advanced Study

The department follows the CCEA GCE Religious Studies specification. This qualification offers a rigorous academic challenge, allowing students to engage critically with religious texts, ethics, and philosophy. It develops key skills in analysis, argumentation, and evaluation.

Where to Next?

A-Level Religious Studies is highly regarded for university applications, contributing to UCAS points for a range of courses. Past students have progressed to study:

Potential Career Paths

Law History & Politics Teaching Nursing Social Work Journalism Psychology Business Economics

Skills Development

  • Critical Thinking: Developing high-level skills in analysis, argumentation, and evaluation of complex ethical issues.
  • Respect & Empathy: Fostering respect for oneself and others by exploring diverse viewpoints and beliefs.
  • Cultural Awareness: Gaining appreciation for a variety of faiths and belief systems in our diverse society.