AQA · GCSE · Religious Studies
Course version: 8062 · Version from Sept 2018
Students should be aware that Islam is one of the diverse religious…
Full specification wording
Islam: Students should be aware that Islam is one of the diverse religious traditions and beliefs in Great Britain today and that the main religious tradition in Great Britain is Christianity. This knowledge may be applied throughout the assessment of the specified content.
Great Britain is a multi-faith society characterised by diverse religious traditions and beliefs.
- Point 1 of 3
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Great Britain is a multi-faith society characterised by diverse religious traditions and beliefs. While Christianity remains the main religious tradition, shaping many cultural norms and the calendar, Islam is a significant and established part of this diverse landscape. When studying Islamic beliefs and practices, you must contextualise them within this British setting. For example, understanding how Muslims observe Ramadan or Friday prayers (Jumu'ah) in a country where the public calendar is structured around Christian festivals. You can apply this awareness across all exam answers, particularly when evaluating how Islamic practices adapt to or interact with the predominantly Christian and secular aspects of modern British society.
What earns the marks
- Identify Christianity as the principal religious tradition in Great Britain.
- Recognise Islam as a major, established faith within the diverse religious landscape of modern Britain.
- Apply knowledge of Britain's multi-faith context to explain how Muslims practice their faith, such as arranging time off for Eid.
- Contrast or compare Islamic practices with the dominant Christian cultural framework when evaluating statements in extended responses.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Assuming Islam is the only minority religion in the UK.
Put it right: Acknowledge that Britain has diverse religious traditions alongside Islam.
Stating that Britain is a purely secular country.
Put it right: Recognise that Christianity is the main religious tradition in Great Britain, without overstating its constitutional position.
Failing to link Islamic practices to the British context.
Put it right: Use examples of how British Muslims observe their faith within a predominantly Christian society.
Exam tips
- Use the context of Great Britain's Christian heritage to explain the challenges and adaptations of British Muslims.
- In 12-mark evaluation questions, reference the diverse religious landscape of the UK to show a nuanced understanding of modern Islamic practice.
Try the lesson
The start of the Islam: Students should be aware that Islam is one of the diverse religious traditions and beliefs in Great Britain today and that the main religious tradition in Great Britain is Christianity. This knowledge may be applied throughout the assessment of the specified content. lesson, made from teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which of the following is the main religious tradition in Great Britain today?
Listen
Great Britain is a multi-faith society characterised by diverse religious traditions and beliefs. While Christianity remains the main religious tradition, shaping many cultural norms and the calendar, Islam is a significant and established part of this diverse landscape. When studying Islamic beliefs and practices, you must contextualise them within this British setting. For example, understanding how Muslims observe Ramadan or Friday prayers (Jumu'ah) in a country where the public calendar is structured around Christian festivals. You can apply this awareness across all exam answers, particularly when evaluating how Islamic practices adapt to or interact with the predominantly Christian and secular aspects of modern British society. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identify Christianity as the principal religious tradition in Great Britain. Recognise Islam as a major, established faith within the diverse religious landscape of modern Britain. Apply knowledge of Britain's multi-faith context to explain how Muslims practice their faith, such as arranging time off for Eid. Contrast or compare Islamic practices with the dominant Christian cultural framework when evaluating statements in extended responses. A common slip: Assuming Islam is the only minority religion in the UK. Instead, acknowledge that Britain has diverse religious traditions alongside Islam. Exam tip: Use the context of Great Britain's Christian heritage to explain the challenges and adaptations of British Muslims.
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Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Multi-faith society
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Religious diversity
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British context
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Multi-faith society
- A society characterised by diverse religious traditions and beliefs, such as Great Britain today.
- Religious diversity
- The presence of diverse religious traditions and beliefs within a society.
- British context
- The setting in which Christianity is the main religious tradition and Islam is a significant and established part of the diverse landscape.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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