St Patrick’s Academy

AS Subject Information

Subject: Religious Education

Exam Board: CCEA (

GCE Religious Studies offers an academic approach to the study of religion. It enables students to develop an insight into religion, faith and practice central to an understanding of the modern world. Religious Studies helps equip students with many of the skills needed in Further Education and the workplace. Students develop critical evaluation skills and the ability to construct logical and convincing arguments.

We follow the CCEA specification and you will sit two papers at the end of year 13 for an AS grade. You sit your A2 papers at the end of year 14.

Final A level grade is based on an aggregation of the marks from AS (40%) and the A2 (60%).

Course content and assessment schedule.

Unit / Duration / % of total / Content
1 WRITTEN EXAM PAPER / 1 hr 20 mins / 50% / Unit AS 2: An Introduction to the Acts of the Apostles
This unit explores the beginnings of the Church of the New Testament,
tracing the journey of the gospel. The list of references is not exhaustive and candidates may refer to other material in Acts in their assessment responses.In addition, candidates are required to explore the relationship of Acts with other aspects of human experience.
Themes include: 1. The context of Acts 2.The beginnings of the
Church 3. Growth and expansion of the Church 4. Paul the Apostle 5. Other aspects of human experience.
1 WRITTEN
PAPER / 1 hr 20 mins / 50% / Unit AS 5: The Celtic Church in Ireland in the Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Centuries.
This unit explores the origins of the Celtic Church in Ireland from pagan roots, the arrival of Christianity and pre-Patrician Ireland to the mission and writings of Patrick and the introduction of monasticism. In addition, at AS Level candidates are required to explore the relationship of this unit with other aspects of human experience.
Themes include: 1. The arrival of Christianity in Ireland 2. Celtic Monasticism 3. Celtic Hagiography 5. Other aspects of human experience.

Entry requirements:

Compulsory GCSE subjects / Grade / Desirable subjects / Grade
Religious Education / Minimum grade C / English Language / Minimum grade C

Attributes needed to succeed in the course

Candidates must be prepared to revise thoroughly, research independently and manage their time effectively. Candidates should be able to produce clear and coherent answers which display their knowledge, understanding and their ability to evaluate and clearly state their own opinions.