Edexcel A-Level Religious Studies
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54 topics
Course topics54 topics
- Medical ethics: Issues in medical ethics with a focus on beginning and end of life
- Sikhism – Social and historical developments: The impact of migration, secularisation and non-Sikh culture on the Sikh Diaspora
- Christianity – Sources of wisdom and authority: The Bible and the nature and role of Jesus
- Sikhism – Religious beliefs, values and teachings: Sikhs and the divine, the importance of sangat, and key moral principles
- Deontology, Virtue Ethics and the works of scholars: A comparison of Immanuel Kant and Aristotle
- Influences of developments in religious belief: Life after death and religion and science debates
- Judaism – Practices that shape and express religious identity: Orthodox and Reform Judaism
- Judaism – Social and historical developments: Modern development of Judaism, Zionism, and the Holocaust
- Islam – Practices that shape and express religious identity: The Five Pillars and the ummah
- Hinduism – Religious beliefs, values and teachings: Beliefs about Brahman, avatars, and key moral principles
- Buddhism – Practices that shape and express religious identity: Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, and meditation
- Scientific and historical-critical challenges, faith and history, and ethical living
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About this course
About Pearson Edexcel A-Level Religious Studies
Pearson Edexcel A-Level Religious Studies offers a rigorous and engaging exploration of philosophy of religion, ethics, and the study of Christianity. The course is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of religious and non-religious worldviews, preparing students for higher education and a range of careers.
The specification is structured into three components: Philosophy of Religion, Religion and Ethics, and the study of one religion (Christianity). Each component is assessed through a written examination, with a focus on essay writing, source analysis, and the application of key concepts to contemporary issues.
Assessment Structure
The Pearson Edexcel A-Level Religious Studies qualification is assessed through three externally examined written papers, each lasting 2 hours and contributing 33.33% of the total qualification. Each paper is worth 80 marks, making a total of 240 marks. Paper 1 covers Philosophy of Religion, Paper 2 covers Religion and Ethics, and Paper 3 covers the study of Christianity. All papers require extended writing, including essays and source-based questions, and are available in both May/June and October/November exam series.
Why Choose Pearson Edexcel?
- Pearson Edexcel offers a clear and structured specification with a focus on contemporary issues and real-world application, making the content engaging and relevant for students.
- The assessment model is straightforward, with three equally weighted papers, allowing students to manage their revision effectively and demonstrate their knowledge across all areas.
- Edexcel provides extensive support resources, including past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports, which help students understand exactly what is expected in exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Assessment and exam guidance
What Gets Top Grades
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
Give a single fact or term
Name, select, or recognise
Set out main features briefly
Give an account of what something is like or what happens
Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains
State similarities AND differences (both required)
Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains
Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion
Make judgments about importance with justification
Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Failing to apply ethical theories to the specific medical issues
- •Confusing religious perspectives with secular ones
- •Lack of reference to the required scholars (Singer and Glover)
- •Ignoring the legal context of the debates
- •Failing to use the specific terminology related to medical ethics
- •Failing to link the impact of migration to specific changes in religious practice
- •Generalizing the Sikh diaspora experience without acknowledging diverse responses
- •Confusing secularisation with the total abandonment of religious belief
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Ensure you can apply the ethical theories studied in other parts of the paper to these specific medical issues
- •Use the required scholars (Peter Singer and Jonathan Glover) to support your arguments
- •Clearly distinguish between the sanctity of life and quality of life arguments
- •Practice evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of different religious and secular positions
- •Refer to the provided anthology extract (Wilcockson) to support your analysis
- •Ensure you can apply the ideas of G Singh and D S Tatla to the issues discussed
- •Be prepared to discuss the tension between maintaining traditional identity and adapting to secular, Western environments
- •Use specific examples of how the Sikh Rehat Maryada is interpreted or challenged in the diaspora
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