"RE is a really relevant subject as it addresses clear moral dilemmas faced by society today and debates about the existence of God which are now more vibrant than ever. The Ethics part of the course addresses key moral issues we face today like war and peace, abortion and euthanasia and gives a clear insight into different arguments surrounding these issues. Ethics also gives an understanding of how ethical and moral codes have changed over time looking at early ethical theories like Natural Moral Law and Utilitarianism showing where our moral values have come from today. Philosophy is interesting as it looks into the debate surrounding the existence of God looking at arguments designed to prove His existence as well as an in-depth study of Atheism and other world religions on top of Christianity. This gives you a respect and understanding for different people’s beliefs and viewpoints no matter where you stand when it comes to belief in God. New Testament Studies is really useful as it provides a context for much of what you study in RE as so many ethical and philosophical debates are shaped by early world religions. You get to look into the teachings of Jesus as well as different responses to this and you also get to study in depth the Crucifixion and Resurrection which is perhaps one of the most contentious issues surrounding religious studies.

I chose to study RE at A-Level because I wanted to learn more about the origins of my faith and how it is still relevant today. A-Level RE has been so helpful because not only has it provided me a thorough understanding of this but also an in-depth knowledge of other religious belief systems and what makes them distinctive, an understanding into the psychological and sociological reasons as to why people believe what they believe and the strengths and weaknesses of religion-based ethics and philosophy. It has also equipped me with a wide range of skills useful to many jobs and courses which include critical thinking, evaluation and debating. I have particularly enjoyed the debating and evaluative side of RE as it has really made me think about the strengths of my viewpoint and put forward the most convincing and backed up arguments as I could in essays and class discussions. I like how all the components of the course all interlink really well and don’t feel like three independent unrelated areas of study.

A-Level RE has really made me want to pursue RE either at university or at theology college alongside English. The course really complimented my other A-Levels which were English and History and what I was learning about in those subjects. I look forward to further looking at how philosophy and religion have influenced world Literature and vice-versa. Having the opportunity to be a mentor in RE has also made me want to go into teaching and sharing my interests in RE. I have really enjoyed how the subject has given opportunities both inside and out of the classroom which have really developed my confidence."
‍
- William