Year 9

Students in Year 9 all complete two lessons of Religious Studies per week to prepare them for GCSE RS in Years 10 and 11.  Students examine Buddhist, Muslim and Christian views on a variety of philosophical and ethical issues below.  The Year 9 course develops vital personal learning and thinking skills.
In the Autumn term students reflect on the question of what it means to be human.  Topics include the relationship between science and religion, how we exercise power and authority and what happens to us when we die.
In the Spring term students look at their relationships with others through the issues of prejudice, suffering, and media and technology.
In the Summer term students examine being an effective member of society and how religious people express their beliefs.  Topics include what is means to be British, our values today, the issue of crime and punishment, worship, meditation and pilgrimage. 

Year 10 & 11

In 2008 over 300 students achieved 64% A*- C in Religious Studies.  RS is part of the Core curriculum at South Bromsgrove. All students complete a GCSE full course in one lesson a week, because of this there is a reliance on independent study and homework for students. 
Students complete 50% of their GCSE in an exam at the end of Year 10 called Religion and Life issues. Topics in Year 10 include religious and ethical views on animals rights, planet earth, prejudice and abortion. 
The other 50% of their GCSE is another exam and is at the end of Year 11, called Religious Philosophy and Ultimate Questions making a full course qualification.  Topics in Year 11 include Religion and philosophical views on science, evil and life after death.  

Year 12 & 13

Over 40 students currently study A level RS.  Building on the AQA GCSE course AS level RS explores the ethical issues of abortion and euthanasia, the philosophy of miracles, the design argument and creation.  At A2 religious student explore different religious philosophies on suffering, near death experiences and analyze different types of secular and religious authority.
Are you the sort of person who enjoys asking ethical and philosophical questions, who shows an interest in religious beliefs, practices and customs, who enjoys informed debate, and a holds a desire to understand yourself and the world more fully? RS at A level helps develop your thinking skills, e.g., enquiry, critical thinking, how to reflect on issues, and expressing ideas as a writer and speaker. These are skills which employers and Universities highly value. It is useful for many careers which include the police force, social work, teaching, and other caring/people related professions.