Core Religious Studies

Core Religious Studies at Hutton

 

Religious Studies (RS) is an important subject at Hutton Sixth Form. It helps you understand the world around you by exploring different religious and non-religious beliefs. Whether you follow a faith or not, RS encourages you to think about your own values and to respect the beliefs of others.

Our Sixth Form curriculum encourages students to think deeply about ethics and to develop compassion and empathy for others. Many lessons are based around lively debates, where you’ll explore challenging and important topics like euthanasia, atheism, and the role of charity work in society.

By discussing these real-world issues, you’ll learn to see different points of view, understand complex moral questions, and build skills in respectful argument and critical thinking. This approach helps you grow not just academically but also personally, preparing you to be a thoughtful and caring member of your community.

Our goal is to help you become an independent and open-minded thinker. You’ll learn to listen with empathy, speak confidently, and explore different opinions respectfully. RS encourages you to challenge prejudice and understand diverse perspectives, preparing you to make a positive difference in society.

We want you to stay curious, celebrate diversity, and be inspired to contribute to a multicultural world. Alongside academic success, Core RS supports your personal growth, helping you become not just a great student but a great person.

 Core RS Overview

 

Key Stage 5 Core Religious Studies Award Criteria

 

This is your chance to explore life’s biggest questions and discover how your ideas can shape a better world. You’ll challenge your worldview, uncover new perspectives on morality and values, and see how attitudes and actions impact communities.

It’s about knowing what matters, living authentically, and making a positive difference; taking the spirit of Hutton beyond Hutton. Completing this award shows universities and employers that you think deeply, act with purpose, and understand the bigger picture.

A grade is only one chapter in your journey; your story holds so much more so embrace every chance to show others who you are and what you stand for.

 

Pass Grade Criteria
  • Minimum of 90% attendance (allows for 2 absences)
  • Engaged in activities (joining in discussion / debate / answering and asking questions)

Engaged in one of the following super-curriculum activities

  • A reflective 5 -10 mins presentation or essay (800 words) on one of the topics covered in RS (or a topic of your choosing with permission) showing extended research and links to religion, values and ethics
  • Taking a leadership role in a community ‘service’ event (for example, Santa Dash / MacMillian Coffee Morning / worship event in 6th form)
  • Attended at least one ‘Religion, values and ethics in the workplace’ lecture
  • Attended at least one 6th form debate
Merit Grade Criteria
  • Minimum of 90% attendance (allows for 2 absences)
  • Engaged in activities (joining in discussion / debate / answering and asking questions)

 Engaged in two of the following super-curriculum activities

  •  A reflective 5 -10 mins presentation or essay (800 words) on one of the topics covered in RS (or a topic of your choosing with permission) showing extended research and links to religion, values and ethics
  • Taking a leadership role in a community ‘service’ event (for example, Santa Dash / MacMillian Coffee Morning / worship event in 6th form)
  • Attended at least one ‘Religion, values and ethics in the workplace’ lecture
  • Attended at least one 6th form debate
Distinction Grade Criteria
  • Minimum of 90% attendance (allows for 2 absences)
  • Engaged in activities (joining in discussion / debate / answering and asking questions)

Engaged in at least three of the following super-curriculum activities

  • A reflective 5 – 10 mins presentation or essay (800 words) on one of the topics covered showing extended research and links to religion, values and ethics
  • Taking a leadership role in a community ‘service’ event (for example, Santa Dash / MacMillian Coffee Morning / worship event in 6th form)
  • Attended at least one ‘Religion, values and ethics in the workplace’ lecture
  • Attended at least one 6th form debate