A level Religious Studies is a far more useful and wide ranging subject than most people imagine. It covers philosophy, ethics and some scientific thought alongside developing a greater understanding of religious beliefs. The syllabus tackles issues that are at the forefront of many areas of intellectual discussion and it aims to promote a critical and enquiring approach in the students, helping them to identify and explore issues which are fundamental to religion and the world at large. The course will involve class discussion, reading of specific books and essay writing. It should develop a wide range of skills but especially the ability to evaluate Opinions and to express ideas both orally and in writing. The course is divided into three units and they will be taught and examined at the end of the two years for the A level. Each unit will be assessed by a single two hour paper at the end of the two years, each paper worth 33.3% of the GCE.