Religious Studies
Staff
W. Faris (Head of Department)
L. Beacom
J. Colwell
S. Dalzell
C. Hempton
A. Lennox
APPRECIATE - ENGAGE - 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.
The Religious Studies Department at Omagh Academy aims to develop pupils both as individuals and as contributors to society in the 21st century.
Success
In 2018 two pupils were ranked at Northern Ireland level in GCSE Religious Studies. Naomi Orr was placed first and Lois Johnston was joint second.
In 2019 two Year 8 pupils, Alex Coote and Lewis Henderson were runners-up in the Schools’ Bible Project Competition.
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
An Introduction to Judaism
Love in Action
The Events of Easter
Knowing and Accepting Myself
An Introduction to Islam
The Bible unwrapped
Faith in Action
Jesus and his relationship with others
Foundations of the Christian Church
Equality and Social Justice
The challenges of Adolescence
GCSE
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
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*
Links with the wider community
In conjunction with Music Department, the RE Department is involved with organising the annual School Carol Service at St Columba’s Parish Church, Omagh which is open to members of the public. Each year a nominated charity is chosen to receive the freewill offering. In 2018, past pupils, Alex and Glenn were presented with a cheque for £1600.00 for Air Ambulance NI.
GCSE and A-Level pupils have had the opportunity to visit Crumlin Road Gaol to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the Ethics topic of crime and punishment/capital punishment.
