Religious Studies

The Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Religious Studies B consists of three Areas of Study from which students study two, which are then assessed through two externally set examination papers.

Students follow a different religion for each Area of Study. The Areas of Study followed are Islam – Religion, Peace and Conflict, and Christianity – Religion and Ethics.

Students must complete all assessments in May/June in any single year.

Paper 1: Area of Study 1 – Religion and Ethics- Christianity

Written examination:

1 hour and 45 minutes

50% of the qualification

102 marks

Content overview

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 answer all questions.

• The assessment consists of four questions.

• The paper may include short open, open response and extended writing questions.

• The paper will assess spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG) and use of specialist terminology and these will contribute a minimum of 5% of marks towards the overall weighting for this paper.

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

Written examination:

1 hour and 45 minutes

50% of the qualification

102 marks

Content overview

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

• Beliefs

• Crime and Punishment

• Living the Religious Life

• Peace and Conflict

• Students must answer all questions.

• The assessment consists of four questions.

• The paper may include short open, open response and extended writing questions.

• The paper will assess spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG) and use of specialist terminology and these will contribute a minimum of 5% of marks towards the overall weighting for this paper.

Religious  Studies, and the skills  developed within it, is increasingly being recognised as vital to all areas of the workplace,  and is valued whatever the subsequent career path.  Particular areas where this learning may be vital includes Politics;  Journalism; Uniformed  Services; the Health  Service;  Social Work; Teaching; Youth work; Retailing; and any other occupation involving interaction with people.

Transferable skills

• Debate

• Judgement

• Analysis

• Evaluation

This qualification aims to:

• Equip young people with the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to engage in dialogue with people of all different cultures and religion

• The course is an immersive experience whereby students become enlightened to a vast variety of religious premises and beliefs. Students are encouraged to become critical, lateral and explorative thinkers who see beyond superficial interpretations