Religious Studies (Philosophy, Ethics and Theology) A Level

Applications Open: 21st November 2025 (9.00am)

Applications Close: 13th February 2026 (4.00pm)

How to apply:

- All INTERNAL applicants MUST apply via Applicaa using this link (coming soon!)

- All EXTERNAL applicants MUST apply via Kent Choices using this link https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login

- All correspondence between learners and the school after an application is made will be via Applicaa.

- All applicants (internal and external) will be invited in for a 1-1 guidance meeting.

- Those who have a successful guidance meeting will be offered a place to study at St John's Sixth Form from September 2026.

“The unexamined life is not worth living” – Socrates

The Russell Group which included Oxford and Cambridge, describe Religious Studies as a subject which provides ‘suitable preparation for entry to university generally’. It is a fascinating journey in thought and the nature of the universe. Come and join us!

Are you ready to explore some deep and difficult questions about life?

• Why are we here?
• How should we behave?
• What happens to us when we die?
• How do religious believers explain & explore their beliefs?

OCR’s A Level in Religious Studies will encourage you to develop an interest in, and enthusiasm for, the rigorous study of philosophical and religious issues and relate this study to the wider world.

You will learn to approach these issues in an enquiring, critical and empathetic manner. You will learn to sustain a critical line of argument and justify your point of view. In addition you will learn from some great, traditional and contemporary philosphical theorists.

OCR’s A level Philosophy and Ethics

Students will study three components that are externally assessed: each unit is 33% of the marks, these are

• Philosophy of religion (01)

• Religion and ethics (02)

• Developments in religious thought Christianity (03)

This course is available to people of any religious belief, or none. You do not have to be religious to succeed in Religious Studies.

Components 01 and 02 are mandatory. In addition, learners will study one from the Developments in religious thought options: Christianity (03), Islam (04), Judaism (05), Buddhism (06) orHinduism (07) - at St. John’s it is Christianity we study developments in Christian thought (03)

The exam for each component will be worth 120 marks and represents 33.3% of the total marks for

A Level. These exams will take the form of an externally assessed written papers lasting 2 hours. It is assessed by ‘terminal’ exams in the summer of Year 13.

There are two Assessment Objectives in OCR A Level in Religious Studies. These are detailed below.

AO1: Knowledge & Understanding - Weighting 40%

You are expected to demonstrate your ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of religion and belief, including:

• Religious, philosophical and/or ethical thought and teaching

• Influence of beliefs, teachings and practices on individuals, communities and societies

• Cause and significance of similarities and differences in belief, teaching and practice

• Approaches to the study of religion and belief.

AO2: Analysis, Evaluation & Application - Weighting 60%

Analyse and evaluate aspects of, and approaches to, religion and belief, including their significance, influence and study.

Entry Requirements:

A minimum of 5 subjects at GCSE Grade 5/BTEC Level 2 Pass or higher:

Including

- Grade 6 in GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature.

- Grade 6 in either History, Geography or RE.

Thinking of a Career in Law? This subject will compliment History and/or Government & Politics.

Typical employers include:

• national and local government, including the Civil Service and government agencies, as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs);
• schools, colleges and universities (for teaching and research positions);
• charities, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations;
• social services and other caring professions;
• the church and other religious organisations;
• financial and legal firms;
• the National Health Service;
• PR, advertising, sales and marketing companies;
• media companies.
• Libraries, charities, museums, television companies and publishing houses also employ theology and religious studies graduates in a range of roles.

Further study

Some graduates choose to increase their knowledge of religion/theology through a postgraduate qualification such as a Masters or PhD. Areas of research include theology, religion and culture, and religious conflict. Vocational postgraduate courses in areas such as teaching, journalism, librarianship or law are also available.

Other graduates choose to undertake further study in areas such as marketing, finance, human resource management or business/management in order to enhance their knowledge of a specific career area.