CCEA GCSE Religious Studies
Explore your course, one topic at a time.
Course overview
The CCEA GCSE Religious Studies specification covers 9 topics with 9 learning objectives (603/1249/X). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
- 9 topics
- 9 learning objectives
Course version · 603/1249/XVersion from Sept 2017Change version
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Official Regulatory Specification
Regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 603/1249/X
- Awarding Organisation
- CCEA
- Regulatory Type
- GCSE (A* to G)
- National Level & Units
- GCSE • 9 units
- 9
- topics
Explore your topics
9 topics
Course topics9 topics
- Unit 2: The Christian Church with a Focus on EITHER the Catholic Church OR the Protestant ChurchThis unit introduces students to Christian belief and practice.1 objective
- Unit 7: An Introduction to Philosophy of ReligionThis unit introduces students to philosophical ideas in the study of religion.1 objective
- Unit 1 The Christian Church through a Study of the Catholic Church and the Protestant ChurchThis unit introduces students to the Christian Church, focusing on the CatholicChurch and the Protestant Church.1 objective
- Unit 3: The Revelation of God and the Christian ChurchThis unit introduces students to a number of themes in the four Gospels, based onthe person and ministry of Jesus.1 objective
- Unit 5: Christianity through a Study of the Gospel of MarkThis unit introduces students to a number of themes in the life and ministry ofJesus, as portrayed in Mark’s Gospel.During their studies, students enhance…1 objective
- Unit 9: JudaismThis unit introduces students to the study of Judaism, focusing on Judaism as a living religion.1 objective
- Unit 4: Christianity through a Study of the Gospel of MatthewThis unit introduces students to a number of themes in the life and ministry ofJesus, as portrayed in Matthew’s Gospel.During their studies, students…1 objective
- Unit 8: IslamThis unit introduces students to the study of Islam, focusing on Islam as a living religion.1 objective
- Unit 6: An Introduction to Christian EthicsThis unit introduces students to ethics within the study of religion.1 objective
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
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