1. The GCSE Religious Studies Course
This is a new GCSE course.
It is divided into three units, all of which will be examined in three exams first taken in 2018.
Beliefs, teachings and Practices
Christianity
Islam
Religion, Philosophy and ethics from a Christian perspective
Four themes covered:
Relationships & Families
Existence of God
Religion, Peace & Conflict
Dialogue between religious & non-religious attitudes
The study of a first religion
63 marks (including 3 SPAG)
1 hour written exam
The study of a second religion
Religion, philosophy and ethics in the modern world
126 marks (including 6 SPAG)
2 hour written exam
25%
50%

2. Component 1 – Christian beliefs, teachings and practices
Topics include:
The nature of God
The Creation
The problem of evil
Jesus Christ (role, importance, incarnation, crucifixion etc.)
Concept of salvation
Eschatological beliefs (life after death, heaven/hell etc.)
Christian practices (prayer, celebrations, mission, role of the church etc.)

3. Component 1 – Islamic beliefs, teachings and practices
Topics include:
Core beliefs (angels, prophets, holy books etc.)
The nature of Allah
Eschatological beliefs (predestination, day of judgement etc.)
Life after death
5 pillars
Festivals & special days
Jihad

4. Component 2 – Religion, philosophy and ethics from a Christian perspective
Topics include:
Relationships & families (marriage, divorce, celibacy, same-sex marriage etc.)
The role of men & women (equality, religious upbringing of children etc.)
The question of God (relationship with humanity, arguments about the existence of God, experiencing God etc.)
Violence & conflict (holy war, terrorism, pacifism, value of peace etc.)
Forgiveness & reconciliation
Challenges for religion (secularism, tolerance, equality etc.)
The importance of interfaith dialogue in the 21st Century

5. Exam Structure Christian beliefs, teachings and practices paper
5 questions in the beliefs and teachings section
5 questions in the practices section
All questions must be answered
Questions are made up of 3 marks, 6 marks and 15 marks
Islam beliefs, teachings and practices paper

6. Exam Structure
Religion, philosophy and ethics from a Christian perspective
4 sections each consisting of 4 questions
All questions must be answered
Questions made up of 3 marks, 6 marks and 15 marks

7. The 6 Mark Question

8. The 15 Mark Question

9. What Students Often Fall Down on
Use of technical terms
Use of scripture quotes
Strong structure in part (e) questions with argument embedded not just tacked on at end

10. Revision Start revising ASAP!
Do as many practice questions as possible – that way there will be less surprises in the exam
Both myself and Mrs Ideson are happy to check revision materials or mark any extra work you complete outside of lessons
Recommended revision guide (although not published until 24th November!)