What should I focus on for OCR A-Level Religious Studies?

Ensure clear distinction between a posteriori and a priori styles of argument

What should I focus on for OCR A-Level Religious Studies? (2)

Use scholarly views to support arguments, such as Dawkins or Plantinga

What should I focus on for OCR A-Level Religious Studies? (3)

Focus on the logical fallacies within the arguments

What should I focus on for OCR A-Level Religious Studies? (4)

Evaluate whether existence can be treated as a predicate

What should I focus on for OCR A-Level Religious Studies? (5)

Ensure you can compare the different understandings of the relationship between divinity and time

What are common mistakes in OCR A-Level Religious Studies?

Confusing a posteriori and a priori arguments

What are common mistakes in OCR A-Level Religious Studies? (2)

Failing to distinguish between the logical and evidential aspects of arguments

What are common mistakes in OCR A-Level Religious Studies? (3)

Misunderstanding the role of predicates in Kant's critique of the ontological argument

Religious Studies

OCR

A-Level

Specification: H573

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

175

Exam Tips

172

Pitfalls

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

Assessment Objectives

AO1

50%

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of religion and belief, including: • religious, philosophical and/or ethical thought and teaching • influence of beliefs, teachings and practices on individuals, communities and societies • cause and significance of similarities and differences in belief, teaching and practice • approaches to the study of religion and belief

AO2

50%

Analyse and evaluate aspects of, and approaches to, religion and belief, including their significance, influence and study

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

OCR

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name or select

Describe

2-4 marks

Account of process or features

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome

Evaluate

9-12 marks

Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Confusing a posteriori and a priori arguments
•Failing to distinguish between the logical and evidential aspects of arguments
•Misunderstanding the role of predicates in Kant's critique of the ontological argument
•Over-simplifying Hume's criticisms of natural religion
•Failing to distinguish between the different philosophical approaches to divine eternity
•Confusing the logical possibility of divine attributes with divine self-limitation
•Inability to clearly articulate the conflict between divine foreknowledge and human free will
•Superficial evaluation of the key thinkers (Boethius, Anselm, Swinburne)

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Ensure clear distinction between a posteriori and a priori styles of argument
•Use scholarly views to support arguments, such as Dawkins or Plantinga
•Focus on the logical fallacies within the arguments
•Evaluate whether existence can be treated as a predicate
•Ensure you can compare the different understandings of the relationship between divinity and time
•Use specific terminology when discussing divine attributes (e.g., omniscience, omnipotence, eternity)
•Focus on the coherence of theism when evaluating whether these attributes can reasonably coexist
•Refer to the specific works of Boethius, Anselm, and Swinburne to support your arguments

Specification Topics

8 topics

Philosophy of religion

This topic covers the philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God, focusing on a posteriori arguments (teleological and cosmological) and a priori arguments (ontological), alongside challenges to these arguments.

The Existence of God, Theological and Philosophical Developments, Philosophical Language and Thought +3 more

0 objectives25 tips24 pitfalls6 subtopics

Religion and ethics

This subtopic explores two normative ethical theories that take a religious approach to moral decision-making: Natural Law (Aquinas) and Situation Ethics (Fletcher). It examines the foundational concepts, key terminology, and the application of these theories to moral decision-making.

Normative Ethical Theories: Religious Approaches, Normative Ethical Theories, Applied Ethics +3 more

0 objectives26 tips23 pitfalls6 subtopics

Developments in Christian thought

This topic explores Christian beliefs, teachings, and ideas regarding human nature, the purpose of life, the self, and immortality, with a specific focus on Augustine's theology and Christian perspectives on the afterlife.

Insight, Foundations, Living +3 more

0 objectives25 tips25 pitfalls6 subtopics

Developments in Islamic thought

This subtopic covers the foundational elements of Islamic thought, focusing on the concepts of prophecy (nubuwwa), revelation (wahy), and the role of key figures in the Abrahamic tradition, alongside the development of Sunni and Shi'a traditions following the death of the Prophet Muhammad.

Foundations, Insight, Living +3 more

0 objectives25 tips25 pitfalls6 subtopics

Developments in Jewish thought

This subtopic covers the foundational elements of Judaism, specifically focusing on the authority of oral and written law, the nature of the covenant, and the role of key figures and texts in shaping Jewish identity and belief.

Foundations, Insight, Living +3 more

0 objectives22 tips22 pitfalls6 subtopics

Developments in Buddhist thought

This subtopic covers the foundational elements of Buddhism, specifically focusing on the life of the Buddha as a source of wisdom and authority, and the significance of the Three Refuges (Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha) in expressing Buddhist identity and acting as underlying principles for teachings.

Foundations, Insight, Living +3 more

0 objectives24 tips25 pitfalls6 subtopics

Developments in Hindu thought

This subtopic covers the foundational elements of Hinduism, focusing on the historical development of the tradition, the diversity of its practices, and the various sources of wisdom and authority that shape Hindu identity.

Foundations, Insight, Living +3 more

0 objectives24 tips24 pitfalls6 subtopics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic explores the fundamental concepts and frameworks within the broader unit, focusing on key philosophical and ethical dimensions relevant to religious studies at an advanced level. It examines the interplay between religious beliefs, practices, and contemporary societal issues, developing critical analysis skills. Learners engage with primary and secondary sources to construct coherent arguments and evaluations.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

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