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    ATHE Vocational Religious Studies

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    Ofqual Regulated: 601/1258/X
    Course version · 601/1258/XVersion from Sept 2020Change version

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    Official Regulatory Specification

    Regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England

    View on Ofqual Register (opens the official government register in a new tab)
    Qualification Number (QN)
    601/1258/X
    Awarding Organisation
    ATHE Ltd
    Regulatory Type
    Vocationally-Related Qualification
    National Level & Units
    Vocational • 13 units
    Sector Subject Area: Theology and religious studies
    This qualification is officially accredited under the national framework. Credits and certified outcomes are recognised by employers, further education colleges, and training providers throughout the UK.

    Qualification Units

    13 units

    How this qualification is graded

    Assessment follows the awarding organisation’s published requirements. Check the exact unit methods and grading rules with your provider.

    Jewish History: From the Babylonian Exile until the death of Herod

    This subtopic examines the pivotal historical period of the Jewish people from the Babylonian exile (586 BCE) to the death of Herod the Great (4 BCE). It covers the destruction of the First Temple, the exile in Babylon, the return under Persian rule, the rebuilding of the Temple, the Hellenistic crisis, the Maccabean revolt, and the Hasmonean dynasty, culminating in Roman domination and Herod's reign. Understanding this era is crucial for grasping how Jewish identity, religious practice, and messianic expectations were shaped by external oppression and internal renewal, providing context for later developments in Judaism and early Christianity.

    ATHE Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Torah Studies

    1 learning outcomes5 guidance points

    Pentateuch: Exodus and Numbers

    This subtopic explores the foundational narratives of the Books of Exodus and Numbers, focusing on the key personalities, their life experiences, and the formative events that shaped the Jewish nation. It examines the significance and moral lessons of these episodes, and applies them to contemporary everyday life situations, fostering a deep understanding of the Torah's relevance.

    ATHE Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Torah Studies

    7 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Comparative Commentaries on Verses of the Pentateuch

    This topic covers the analysis and comparison of classical Jewish commentaries on verses from the Pentateuch. Learners will explore different interpretative approaches and develop skills in comparing and contrasting commentaries.

    ATHE Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Torah Studies

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Early Prophets:Joshua and Judges

    The books of Joshua and Judges recount the conquest and settlement of Canaan, highlighting key personalities, events, and moral lessons. Learners analyse the significance of places, episodes, and the leadership of Joshua and the judges.

    ATHE Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Torah Studies

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Esther, Jonah and Ruth

    This topic covers the books of Esther, Jonah, and Ruth, including their context, themes, and selected passages. Learners must understand the significance of names, events, and moral lessons.

    ATHE Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Torah Studies

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Laws of the Sabbath

    The laws of the Sabbath (Shabbat) are derived from Torah and rabbinic interpretations, governing rest and prohibited activities. Understanding underlying principles like 'melacha' (work) and practical applications helps observe the day correctly.

    ATHE Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Torah Studies

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Early Prophets: Samuel I

    This unit covers the early prophets, specifically the first book of Samuel, using Rashi and other classical commentators. Learners must analyse verses and compare different interpretations.

    ATHE Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Torah Studies

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Pentateuch: Genesis

    The Book of Genesis introduces key personalities and events that shape Jewish history and moral teachings. Understanding these narratives helps apply their lessons to everyday life.

    ATHE Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Torah Studies

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Research Project on an Aspect of Jewish Life

    This subtopic guides learners through the process of conducting a structured research project on a chosen aspect of Jewish life, integrating historical context, communal significance, and personal spiritual application. Learners will develop skills in selecting a viable topic, using diverse sources and commentaries, and reflecting on how the learning informs their own spiritual growth and practice.

    ATHE Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Torah Studies

    6 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Biblical Character Study

    This topic involves studying a biblical character in historical context, analysing their achievements, character traits, and moral standing. It requires using various sources and commentaries to research and reflect on the character.

    ATHE Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Torah Studies

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Jewish Thought

    This topic explores Jewish thought through the writings of Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler, addressing challenges to faith, virtuous living, and perspectives on modern societal issues. Learners compare secular and Jewish viewpoints on selected issues.

    ATHE Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Torah Studies

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Rashi & Ramban's Commentaries on the Pentateuch

    This topic explores the commentaries of Rashi and Ramban on the Pentateuch, focusing on their interpretive approaches. Students learn to analyse verses using these commentaries.

    ATHE Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Torah Studies

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Laws of Blessings

    This topic covers the laws of blessings (berachot) over food and drink in Judaism. It includes the rules for hand washing, blessings before and after eating various foods, and their practical application.

    ATHE Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Torah Studies

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points
    Tips and common mistakes

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Confusing the chronology: placing the Maccabean revolt before the Persian period or merging the Babylonian exile with the later Roman exile.
    • •Oversimplifying the causes of the exile as purely political without addressing the prophetic interpretation of covenant unfaithfulness.
    • •Treating Herod the Great as a straightforward villain without recognising his complex role as a client king who both oppressed Jews and renovated the Temple.
    • •Confusing the sequence of events in Exodus and Numbers, such as the order of the plagues or the stations of the wilderness journey.
    • •Overlooking the moral and ethical dimensions of the narratives, focusing only on the literal events.
    • •Failing to connect the ancient episodes to contemporary life, thus missing the application requirement.
    • •Misattributing quotes or actions to the wrong biblical character.
    • •Confusing the approaches of different commentators.

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •Use a timeline to structure your revision, noting the major empires (Babylonian, Persian, Greek, Roman) and the corresponding Jewish responses (exile, return, revolt).
    • •In written responses, support claims about moral lessons with direct reference to specific events or texts, such as the book of Esther for divine providence during exile or 1 Maccabees for zeal for the Torah.
    • •Use a structured approach: describe the event, explain its significance, and then apply it to a modern scenario.
    • •Memorise key verses and their references to support your arguments.
    • •Practice applying the moral lessons to various life situations, such as leadership, ethics, and community responsibility.
    • •In essays, always link back to the learning objectives and use specific examples from the text.
    • •Use direct quotes from commentaries to support your points.
    • •Structure comparisons clearly, e.g., point-by-point or commentator-by-commentator.

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