Assessment

GCSE Religious Studies A (AQA) assesses students through two written exam papers. The structureThe organisation and order of information in a text. is listed below. You will also find forum discussion threads for each exam paper where you can ask specific questions about the upcoming exams. For questions about specific topics, please create a new discussion in the GCSE Religious Studies forum.

Written Exam Paper 1

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

Marks: 96 Marks + 6 Marks for SPaG

Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Weighting: 50% of GCSE

Content Assessed:

Beliefs, Teachings and Practices of two from:

• 1.1 Buddhism
• 1.2 Christianity
• 1.3 Catholic Christianity
• 1.4 Hinduism
• 1.5 Islam
• 1.6 Judaism
• 1.7 Sikhism

Visit the 2024 exam thread for this paper here.

Written Exam Paper 2

Title: Component 2: Thematic studies

Marks: 96 Marks + 3 Marks for SPaG

Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Weighting: 50% of GCSE

Content Assessed:

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:

• 2.1.1 Theme A: Relationships and Families
• 2.1.2 Theme B: Religion and Life
• 2.1.3 Theme C: The Existence of God and Revelation
• 2.1.4 Theme D: Religion, Peace and Conflict
• 2.1.5 Theme E: Religion, Crime and Punishment
• 2.1.6 Theme F: Religion, Human Rights and Social Justice

Textual Studies Themes:

• 2.1.7 Theme G: St Mark’s Gospel: The Life of Jesus
• 2.1.8 Theme H: St Mark’s Gospel as a Source of Religious, Moral and Spiritual Truths

Visit the 2024 exam thread for this paper here.

We wish you the best of luck with your studies and exams, and remember - the work you put in will determine what you get out, so make sure you do your best!