Northern Ireland GCSE Syllabus

WHAT YOU WILL BE LEARNING ABOUT

This specification is designed to promote continuity, coherence and progression within the study of religion and is worth half a GCSE.

It has been designed to reflect the distinctive character of the programme of study as set out in the Northern Ireland core syllabus for Religious Education Curriculum Order including the statutory cross-curricular themes.

Section A: The Challenge of Jesus

• Palestine at the time of Jesus
• The identity of Jesus
• The teachings of Jesus
• The deeds of Jesus
• His death, resurrection and ascension

Section B: The Christian Church explored through contrasting denominations

Each of the identified areas below are explored through different Christian denominations e.g. Roman Catholicism and Presbyterian.

• The symbolism and significance of key events in the Church Calendar.
• The symbolism and significance of church buildings.
• The styles of worship and participation in Sunday services.
• The symbolism and significance of sacrament ordinances and practices.
• The role and importance of key personnel.
• The local organisations of churches.
• Inter-denominational contacts.

Section C: Christian Morality

• Friendship, Sexuality and Responsibility
• Marriage
• Parenting
• Caring and Respect for Life
• Social Responsibilities

Key Features

1. This course will be taught for two periods per week.

2. The same topics will be covered as in the Religious Education GCSE, however they will not be studied in the same depth.

HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED

One externally assessed written paper. There is no internal assessment.

A single tier of examination entry, targeted at Grades A* - G.

There is provision made for students, who feel that they may not gain a satisfactory grade, to enter for a Certificate of Education through CCEA.

Two tiers of examination covering distinct but overlapping grades will be offered.

Tier S Grades C-G

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Careers include:- social work, nursing, teaching, ministry, management, administration, insurance, community work, journalism and the media.