Religious Studies

Exam Board

AQA

(https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-8062/specification)

 

Why do I have to study Combined Science?

 

  • Broader Understanding: It introduces you to different worldviews, cultures, and beliefs. In an increasingly globalized world, having a basic understanding of various religions and philosophies can help you appreciate others’ perspectives, even if you don’t personally practice that religion.
  • Critical Thinking: Religious Studies often pushes you to think critically and ask big questions about life, ethics, and morality. It’s not just about memorizing religious texts but also about analysing ideas, making connections, and developing your own opinions on complex topics.
  • Ethics and Morality: A lot of Religious Studies focuses on ethical dilemmas (e.g., should we eat meat? Is euthanasia okay?), and that ties into real-world decision-making, both for you personally and as part of society. It helps develop a moral compass.
  • Legal and Social Understanding: Religious beliefs shape laws, customs, and politics around the world. Understanding these aspects can make you a more informed citizen, especially if you plan on going into fields like law, social sciences, or even politics.
  • Employability: It sounds a bit cliché, but having knowledge of world religions can make you more adaptable and open-minded in many professions—whether that’s in healthcare, teaching, international relations, or business.

 

How will I be examined?

 

COMPONENT 1

•   Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes

•   96 marks, plus 6 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)

•   50% of GCSE

+

COMPONENT 2

•   Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes

•   96 marks, plus 3 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)

•   50% of GCSE

 

What will I study?

 

Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices

Beliefs, teachings and practices of two from:

•   Buddhism

•   Christianity

•   Catholic Christianity

•   Hinduism

•   Islam

•   Judaism

•   Sikhism.

 

+

 

Component 2: Thematic studies

 

Either four religious, philosophical and ethical studies themes or two religious, philosophical and ethical studies themes and two textual studies themes.

Religious, philosophical and ethical studies themes:

·      Theme A: Relationships and families.

·      Theme B: Religion and life.

·      Theme C: The existence of God and revelation.

·      Theme D: Religion, peace and conflict.

·      Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment.

·      Theme F: Religion, human rights and social justice.

Textual studies themes:

·      Theme G: St Mark's Gospel – the life of Jesus.

·      Theme H: St Mark's Gospel as a source of religious, moral and spiritual truths.

 

Recommended text books, additional reading 

 

·      New GCSE Religious Studies: AQA A Christianity & Islam Revision Guide

·      AQA GCSE Religious Studies A: Christianity and Islam Revision Guide

 

Recommended online resources

 

·      Youtube – NowaffleGCSE (Religious studies)

·      Revision World (https://revisionworld.com/gcse-revision)

·      Sam learning (https://www.samlearning.com)

 

 

Department contact:

Wehelie Khalif, Head of RS – Science (Wehelie.khalif@londonenterpriseacademy.org)