Religious Studies
Staff
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L. Beacom (Head of Department)
W. Faris
J. Colwell
INSPIRE - EMPOWER - ACHIEVE
Religious Studies is the world’s oldest academic subject. It promotes an awareness of others, develops the core skills of literacy, hones the ability to think critically and encourages independent study.
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The Religious Studies Department at Omagh Academy aims to develop pupils both as individuals and as contributors to society in the 21st century.
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Symbolism in World Religions
Judaism – Beliefs and Practices
The Bible
Jesus of History, Christ of Faith
The Five Pillars of Islam
Faith in Action
The Events of Easter
The Christian Church
Social Justice and Martin Luther King
Equality in Sikhi
GCSE
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CCEA Full course - (optional)
Completed
Year 12
Year 12
Weightings
50%
50%
Assessment
External written exam 1 hour 30 minutes
External written exam 1 hour 30 minutes
Content
Unit 4 - Christianity through a study of the Gospel of Matthew
Unit 6 - An Introduction to Christian Ethics
*There is no controlled assessment in GCSE Religious Studies*
A Level
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CCEA Religious Studies
Content
AS4: The origins and development of the Early Christian Church to AD325
AS7: Foundations of Ethics with Special Reference to issues in Medical Ethics
A24: Themes in the Early Church and the Church Today
A27: Global Ethics
Assessment
External exam
1 hour 20 minutes
External exam
1 hour 20 minutes
External exam
2 hours
External exam
2 hours
Weightings
50% of AS Level
20% of A Level
50% of AS Level
20% of A Level
30% of A Level
30% of A Level
*There is no coursework component*
Educational Enrichment and Pupil Success
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In 2023, two Omagh Academy pupils were overall winners in the Coronation Year Schools Bible Project competition. Teóma secured joint first prize, while Ellie earned joint fourth prize. Accompanied by their parents and Mrs Beacom from the RS Department, both girls travelled to London for the prizegiving ceremony. The trip featured a guided tour of Westminster Abbey, followed by a ceremony in Mary Sumner House.
A-Level pupils have had the opportunity to visit Crumlin Road Gaol to enhance their knowledge on the nature and purpose of justice and punishment. The ‘Justice, law and punishment’ topic is part of the A2 Global Ethics module.
In recent years, Omagh Academy pupils have been awarded top places in Northern Ireland in CCEA GCSE Religious Studies and had the opportunity to attend a Celebrate with CCEA event at Titanic Belfast.
