Religious Studies

For problem solving, a critical mind and good powers of analysis

GCSE Religious Studies

Religious Studies is always relevant, as most people around the world follow a religion. By studying GCSE Religious Studies, you will gain insight into the beliefs and values that shape the way many people live. You will also explore non-religious viewpoints, which play an increasingly important role in today’s society. Since religion and ethical issues are often in the news, studying Religious Studies will help you understand and engage with these key topics more confidently.

In Years 10 and 11 students will follow the WJEC GCSE Religious Studies course. The course is divided into four units. The first two units are completed in Year 10 and the second two units in Year 11.

Year 10 2025/2026

For more information click here.

Year 10 will follow the new ‘Made for Wales’ qualification.

Unit 1

Religious and Non-Religious Beliefs, Teaching and Practices – 30% of qualification
Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes

Unit 2

Religion and Relationships – 20% of qualification
Non-examination assessment: 6 hours

Year 11 2025/2026

Unit 3

Roles, Rights and Responsibilities – 30% of qualification
Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes

Unit 4

Religion and Human Rights – 20% of qualification
Non-examination assessment: 6 hours

Examination

Religious Studies is assessed through a written examination only. Currently, there is no coursework element to the course. There will be one examination at the end of Year 10 for the unit Religion and Philosophical Themes and another in Year 11 for the unit Religion and Ethical Themes.

Enrichment Opportunities

Opportunity for European Trips

Year 8 History Castle Building Competition

Homework

Homework can take a variety of forms including written tasks, revision exercises, online tasks and preparation for coursework or practical examinations. The aim of homework is to supplement the learning that takes place in the classroom and instil independent learning, a crucial lifelong skill. Staff aim to give ample time to complete homework tasks so learners should plan their own time carefully in order to meet deadlines. The frequency of homework can vary depending on the number of lessons offered over a fortnight.

The majority of subject areas make use of Google Classroom to communicate any homework requirements to the learners. I would encourage learners and parents/carers to check Google Classrooms regularly.

Parents/Carers should endeavour to provide a quiet space for their children to complete homework tasks. Where this is not possible, the school does provide such places for learners to access in their lunchtime or afterschool hours. Please encourage learners to discuss this with their tutors or progress leaders in the first instance.

Feedback

Feedback will be verbally given throughout lessons according to set tasks. Students will be expected to act positively on the feedback given and to improve or refine their work.

There will be feedback lessons following some assessments to allow students to improve their work in DIRT based on the guidance given.

Assessment

Assessment is an important aspect of a learner’s learning journey. Apart from indicating the current performance of an individual, assessments also inform learners and staff which areas they need to develop. At Ysgol y Grango, staff continuously assess a learner’s progress through a variety of methods. This could include informal assessment, such as quizzes or observations, or formal assessments, such as written tests or coursework.

Throughout Key stage 4, learners will sit various external assessments. The timing of these assessments varies depending on the subject. Some of these assessment timings are controlled by the school but many are put in place by the examination board. As such it is important that learners are present for these assessments as missing elements of a course can significantly affect the overall grade for a learner.

There will be 3 formal assessments per year. These will include peer-marked knowledge questions, multiple choice and extended written responses during each topic.