GCSE Religious Studies

Paper 1: Area of Study 1 – Religion and Ethics

50% of the qualification

Content overview

Catholic Christianity

Students must study all four content sections based upon their chosen religion.

Beliefs
Marriage and the Family
Living the Religious Life
Matters of Life and Death

Assessment overview

Students must select one religion from a choice of seven (Catholic Christianity, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism).

The studied religion must be different for each Area of Study chosen.

Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes (102 marks)

Paper 2: Area of Study 2 – Religion, Peace and Conflict

50% of the qualification

Content overview

Islam

Students must study all four content sections based upon their chosen religion.

Beliefs
Crime and Punishment
Living the Religious Life
Peace and Conflict

Assessment overview

Students must select one religion from a choice of seven (Catholic Christianity, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism). The studied religion must be different for each Area of Study chosen.

Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes (102 marks)

Speaking

Students are encouraged in all topics to express their opinions and understanding about the wider impacts of their historical religious education. Opportunities for discussions will be present across all topics in RE; to discuss prior knowledge, understanding and misconceptions. Teaching will equip students to ask perceptive questions and explore the answers. Teachers will provide a safe context for students to share their experiences and any strong commitments to religious ideas.

Listening

Teacher student discussions will be an essential part of all lessons with the student demonstrating listening skills. Questioning will be part of all lessons; the teacher asking the student questions throughout and providing time for the student to process and formulate a response. Students will also be encouraged to ask perceptive questions and focus on the answers to develop their perception and judgements. These questions will focus on belief, meaning, purpose, truth, and their influence on human life. There will be opportunities for discussions and debates with students listening to the teachers’ ideas as well as contributing their own thoughts.

Literacy

During written tasks and throughout lesson dialogue there will be a focus on the use and understanding of religious vocabulary. Teachers will ensure students show respect and understanding for religious terminology. Students will be encouraged to explore their own beliefs through a variety of ways, such as writing and presentations. Teachers will support students in constructing well-argued, well-informed, balanced, and structured written arguments. Students will read key religious texts and scriptures of the religions they are studying. Students will study stories and myths that introduce them to religious concepts such as good and evil and conflict and justice. They will listen to and read these tales, explore their meanings, and respond to the questions they raise.

Numeracy

Numeracy skills will be acquired across the RE curriculum through a secure knowledge of the chronology of religions.