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The A level subject with the largest rise in entries this year - 16.9% - is Religious Studies, according to the 2005 A level entry and results data, published today by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).
Canon John Hall, General Secretary of the National Society and the Church of England’s Chief Education Officer, said: “This is really excellent news. A 16.9%increase in the number of students taking RS A-level this year makes it the top subject (in increase terms) for the second year running. Last year it was 13.8%.”
And the Revd John Gay, Religious Education Consultant to the Archbishops’ Council’s Education Division, said: “This is splendid news. Not only are A levels up by 16.9% , but AS numbers have also increased by 5.2% to 21,121. These figures reflect a growing recognition among young people that an understanding of the religious and spiritual dimension of life is interesting, challenging and increasingly relevant in today's global society. Indeed, RE has a vital role to play in developing a cohesive and stable society in this country.
“This most welcome increase in the number of A level RS students, coupled with the massive recent growth in GCSE take-up rates (now over half of all pupils), highlights the need to have even more inspirational specialist teachers who can meet the expectations of their pupils.”
Commenting on the publication of the A-level entry and results data, Dr Ellie Johnson Searle, Director of JCQ, said:
“The rise in entries for religious . . . studies is significant at a time when Britain increasingly needs young people to understand the complexities of our faith communities . . . As a subject choice at A level, Religious Studies is evidencing a good retention rate, building upon increased entries last year at GCSE and AS level.”
In the top five subject increases for Advanced Extension Awards entries, the JCQ describes Religious Studies as ‘noteworthy’, with 171 entries for 2005 (118 for 2004).
18 August 2005
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