Religious Studies

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This subtopic explores key religious concepts within the studied tradition, focusing on core beliefs and their significance for adherents. It examines foundational doctrines and their practical application in worship and daily life. Understanding these concepts is essential for analysing how religious teachings influence ethical decision-making and community practices.

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Area of Study 1A – Catholic Christianity (Study of Religion)

Area of Study 1A – Catholic Christianity is a study in depth of Catholic Christianity as a lived religion in the UK and globally. It covers four sections: Beliefs and Teachings, Practices, Sources of Wisdom and Authority, and Forms of Expression and Ways of Life. Students explore Catholic beliefs within the context of wider British society and compare them with other Christian traditions (Orthodox, Protestant) and other religious traditions.

Catholic Christianity: Beliefs and Teachings

This topic covers the core beliefs and teachings of Catholic Christianity, including the nature of the Trinity, Creation, the Incarnation, the Paschal Mystery, salvation, grace, and eschatology. It explores these concepts through biblical texts, Church teachings, and their significance for contemporary Catholic life, while also considering divergent Christian perspectives.

Catholic Christianity: Practices

This topic covers the practices of Catholic Christianity as a lived religion, focusing on the sacramental nature of reality, liturgical worship, prayer, popular piety, pilgrimage, social teaching, and mission.

Catholic Christianity: Sources of Wisdom and Authority

This topic covers the sources of wisdom and authority within Catholic Christianity, focusing on the development and structure of the Bible, the role of the Magisterium, the Second Vatican Council, the nature of the Church, and the use of these sources in personal and ethical decision-making.

Catholic Christianity: Forms of Expression and Ways of Life

This topic explores the forms of expression and ways of life within Catholic Christianity, focusing on how beliefs are manifested through art, architecture, music, and daily practice.

Area of Study 1B – Christianity (Study of Religion)

Area of Study 1B – Christianity is a study in depth of Christianity as a lived religion in the UK and globally. It covers four sections: Beliefs and Teachings, Practices, Sources of Wisdom and Authority, and Forms of Expression and Ways of Life. It requires understanding of common and divergent views within Christianity (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant) and comparison of specific beliefs and practices with another religion practiced in Great Britain.

Christianity: Beliefs and Teachings

This topic covers the core beliefs and teachings of Christianity as a lived religion, focusing on the nature of God, the Trinity, Creation, the Incarnation, the Paschal Mystery, salvation, and eschatology.

Christianity: Practices

This topic covers the practices of Christianity as a lived religion in the UK and globally. It includes four sections: Beliefs and Teachings, Practices, Sources of Wisdom and Authority, and Forms of Expression and Ways of Life. It emphasizes the diversity within Christian denominations (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Pentecostal) and the significance of these practices to Christians today.

Christianity: Sources of Wisdom and Authority

This topic covers the sources of wisdom and authority within Christianity, focusing on the development and structure of the Bible, the role of the Church, and the influence of these sources on personal and ethical decision-making for Christians.

Christianity: Forms of Expression and Ways of Life

This topic explores the forms of expression and ways of life within Christianity, focusing on how beliefs are manifested through art, architecture, music, and literature, and how these expressions are used in worship and daily life.

Area of Study 1C – Islam (Study of Religion)

Area of Study 1C – Islam is a study in depth of Islam as a lived religion in the United Kingdom and throughout the world. It covers four sections: Beliefs and Teachings, Practices, Sources of Wisdom and Authority, and Forms of Expression and Ways of Life. It requires understanding of Sunni and Shi’a traditions and the significance of beliefs and practices to Muslims today.

Islam: Beliefs and Teachings

This topic covers the core beliefs, practices, sources of authority, and forms of expression within Islam, specifically for the Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A (1C) specification. It explores the Six Beliefs of Sunni Islam, the Five Roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi'a Islam, the nature of Allah, Risalah (prophethood), holy books, Malaikah (angels), al-Qadr (predestination), and Akhirah (afterlife). It also examines the Five Pillars of Sunni Islam, the Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi'a Islam, Jihad, and major festivals, alongside the role of the Qur'an, the Prophet Muhammad, Shari'ah law, and the Imamate. Finally, it covers Muslim identity, the mosque, calligraphy, Sufism, and charitable work.

Islam: Practices

This topic covers the practices of Islam as a lived religion, focusing on the Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi'a Islam, the Five Pillars of Sunni Islam, and the significance of various rituals, festivals, and communal activities in the lives of Muslims today.

Islam: Sources of Wisdom and Authority

This topic explores the primary sources of wisdom and authority in Islam, specifically focusing on the Qur'an, the Prophet Muhammad, the Hadith, Shari'ah law, and the role of Imams in both Sunni and Shi'a traditions.

Islam: Forms of Expression and Ways of Life

This topic explores the diverse ways in which Muslim identity and faith are expressed in daily life, including the role of the mosque, artistic expression, and specific community practices within Sunni and Shi'a traditions.

Area of Study 2A – Catholic Christianity (Study of Second Religion)

Area of Study 2A – Catholic Christianity (Study of Second Religion) is a depth study of Catholic Christianity as a lived religion in the UK and globally. It focuses on two core sections: Beliefs and Teachings, and Practices. Students must understand common and divergent views within the wider Christian tradition, including Orthodox and Protestant perspectives, and explore the significance of these beliefs and practices to Catholics today.

Catholic Christianity (Second Religion): Beliefs and Teachings

This topic covers the core beliefs and teachings of Catholic Christianity as a lived religion, including the nature of the Trinity, Creation, the Incarnation, the Paschal Mystery, salvation, and eschatology.

Catholic Christianity (Second Religion): Practices

This topic covers the practices of Catholic Christianity as a second religion, focusing on the sacramental nature of reality, liturgical worship, prayer, popular piety, pilgrimage, social teaching, and mission/evangelism.

Area of Study 2B – Christianity (Study of Second Religion)

Area of Study 2B – Christianity (Study of Second Religion) provides an in-depth study of Christianity as a lived religion in the UK and globally. It focuses on two core sections: Beliefs and Teachings, and Practices, requiring students to understand common and divergent views within Christianity (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant) and compare these with other religious traditions practiced in Great Britain.

Christianity (Second Religion): Beliefs and Teachings

This topic covers the core beliefs, teachings, and practices of Christianity as a second religion for the GCSE Religious Studies A qualification. It explores the nature of God, the life and significance of Jesus, Christian eschatology, and the role of worship, prayer, and community in Christian life.

Christianity (Second Religion): Practices

This topic covers the practices of Christianity as a second religion for the GCSE Religious Studies A qualification. It focuses on two main sections: Beliefs and Teachings, and Practices, exploring their significance to Christians today within the context of British society and comparing them with other religious traditions.

Area of Study 2C – Islam (Study of Second Religion)

Area of Study 2C – Islam (Study of Second Religion) provides an in-depth study of Islam as a lived religion in the UK and globally. It covers two core sections: Beliefs and Teachings, and Practices. Students explore the Six Beliefs of Sunni Islam, the Five Roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi’a Islam, the nature of Allah, Risalah, holy books, Malaikah, al-Qadr, and Akhirah. Practices include the Ten Obligatory Acts, the Five Pillars (Shahadah, Salah, Sawm, Zakah/Khums, Hajj), Jihad, and major festivals/commemorations. The study requires comparing and contrasting beliefs about the afterlife and the practice of worship with Christianity.

Islam (Second Religion): Beliefs and Teachings

This topic covers the core beliefs and teachings of Islam as a second religion, focusing on the Six Beliefs of Sunni Islam, the Five Roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi'a Islam, the nature of Allah, Risalah (Prophethood), holy books, Malaikah (angels), al-Qadr (predestination), and Akhirah (life after death).

Islam (Second Religion): Practices

This topic covers the practices of Islam as a lived religion in the UK and globally, focusing on the Ten Obligatory Acts, the Five Pillars (Shahadah, Salah, Sawm, Zakah, Hajj), Jihad, and major festivals/commemorations (Id-ul-Adha, Id-ul-Fitr, Id-ul-Ghadeer, Ashura).

Area of Study 2D – Buddhism (Study of Second Religion)

Area of Study 2D – Buddhism is a study in depth of Buddhism as a lived religion in the UK and globally, focusing on two sections: Beliefs and Teachings, and Practices. It requires students to compare and contrast Buddhist beliefs and practices with Christianity, specifically regarding the afterlife and worship.

Buddhism: Beliefs and Teachings

This topic covers the core beliefs, teachings, and practices of Buddhism as a lived religion, with a focus on the life of the Buddha, the Dhamma, the Four Noble Truths, and various Buddhist practices including meditation, chanting, and festivals.

Buddhism: Practices

This topic covers the practices of Buddhism as a lived religion, focusing on meditation, devotional practices, places of worship, and the significance of festivals and rituals in the lives of Buddhists today, with reference to Theravada and Mahayana traditions.

Area of Study 2E – Hinduism (Study of Second Religion)

Area of Study 2E – Hinduism is a study in depth of Hinduism as a lived religion in the UK and globally. It covers two sections: Beliefs and Teachings, and Practices. Students must understand common and divergent views within Hinduism (e.g., Shaivism and Vaishnavism) and compare/contrast beliefs about the afterlife and worship with Christianity.

Hinduism: Beliefs and Teachings

This topic covers the core beliefs, teachings, and practices of Hinduism as a lived religion, focusing on the nature of the divine, the purpose of human life, and the various forms of worship and religious practice within the tradition.

Hinduism: Practices

This topic covers the practices of Hinduism as a lived religion, focusing on the nature and purpose of various forms of worship, yoga, festivals, pilgrimage, and the role of charity and environmental care within the Hindu tradition.

Area of Study 2F – Judaism (Study of Second Religion)

Area of Study 2F – Judaism is a study in depth of Judaism as a lived religion in the United Kingdom and throughout the world, covering core beliefs, teachings, and practices, with a focus on the diversity within the tradition including Orthodox, Reform, and Liberal perspectives.

Judaism: Beliefs and Teachings

This topic provides an in-depth study of Judaism as a lived religion, focusing on core beliefs, teachings, and practices within the context of contemporary British society. It explores common and divergent perspectives across Orthodox, Reform, and Liberal traditions.

Judaism: Practices

This topic covers the practices of Judaism as a lived religion, focusing on public and private worship, the significance of sacred texts, dietary laws, ritual life, festivals, and the design and use of the synagogue within Orthodox, Reform, and Liberal traditions.

Area of Study 2G – Sikhism (Study of Second Religion)

Area of Study 2G – Sikhism (Study of Second Religion) provides an in-depth study of Sikhism as a lived religion in the UK and globally, focusing on Beliefs and Teachings and Practices.

Sikhism: Beliefs and Teachings

This topic covers the core beliefs, teachings, and practices of Sikhism as a lived religion. It explores the nature of God, the purpose of human life, and the significance of community and service within the Sikh tradition, with a focus on the Guru Granth Sahib as a primary source of authority.

Sikhism: Practices

This topic covers the practices of Sikhism as a lived religion, focusing on the role of the gurdwara, communal worship, and the significance of various rituals and commemorations in the lives of Sikhs today.

Area of Study 3A – Catholic Christianity (Philosophy and Ethics)

Area of Study 3A – Catholic Christianity (Philosophy and Ethics) focuses on two main sections: Arguments for the Existence of God and Religious Teachings on Relationships and Families in the 21st Century. It explores Catholic perspectives within the context of wider British society, including non-religious views and other Christian traditions.

Catholic Christianity: Arguments for the Existence of God

This topic explores the philosophical arguments for the existence of God within the context of Catholic Christianity, including revelation, religious experiences (visions and miracles), and the design and cosmological arguments, alongside the problem of suffering.

Catholic Christianity: Religious Teachings on Relationships and Families in the 21st Century

This topic explores Catholic Christian teachings on relationships and families in the 21st century, focusing on the purpose of marriage, sexual relationships, family structures, family planning, divorce, and gender roles, while considering divergent Christian and non-religious perspectives.

Area of Study 3B – Christianity (Philosophy and Ethics)

Area of Study 3B – Christianity (Philosophy and Ethics) focuses on two main sections: Arguments for the Existence of God and Religious Teachings on Relationships and Families in the 21st Century. It explores these topics through the lens of Christianity as a lived religion, incorporating biblical references, philosophical arguments, and ethical theories, while considering divergent Christian perspectives and non-religious views.

Christianity: Arguments for the Existence of God

This topic explores the philosophical arguments for the existence of God within the context of Christianity. It covers various proofs, including revelation, visions, miracles, the design argument, the cosmological argument, and the problem of evil and suffering, alongside Christian responses to non-religious (atheist and Humanist) challenges.

Christianity: Religious Teachings on Relationships and Families in the 21st Century

This topic explores Christian teachings on relationships and families in the 21st century, focusing on the purpose of marriage, sexual relationships, family structures, family planning, divorce, and gender roles, while considering divergent Christian and non-religious perspectives.

Area of Study 3C – Islam (Philosophy and Ethics)

Area of Study 3C – Islam (Philosophy and Ethics) explores philosophical arguments for the existence of Allah and religious teachings on relationships and families in the 21st century from an Islamic perspective. It examines how the Qur’an informs these topics and how they are underpinned by philosophical and ethical theories, including comparisons with non-religious views and divergent perspectives within Sunni and Shi’a traditions.

Islam: Arguments for the Existence of Allah

This topic explores philosophical arguments for the existence of Allah within the context of Islam, including revelation, visions, miracles, religious experiences, the design argument, and the cosmological argument. It also examines the problem of suffering and various Islamic responses to it.

Islam: Religious Teachings on Relationships and Families in the 21st Century

This topic explores Islamic religious teachings on relationships and families in the 21st century, focusing on the importance of marriage, sexual relationships, family structures, support within the ummah, family planning, divorce, and gender roles/prejudice from an Islamic perspective.

Area of Study 4A – Mark's Gospel (Textual Studies)

Area of Study 4A focuses on the textual study of Mark's Gospel, divided into two sections: 'Who is Jesus?' and 'The Nature of Discipleship'. It explores the themes and teachings of the Gospel, requiring students to understand the significance of Jesus' titles, miracles, conflicts, and the demands of discipleship, while considering divergent Christian interpretations and non-religious perspectives.

Mark's Gospel: Who is Jesus?

This topic focuses on the identity and nature of Jesus as presented in Mark's Gospel, exploring his titles, miracles, conflicts, and the events of his final days, alongside their significance for Christian belief and practice.

Mark's Gospel: The Nature of Discipleship

This topic explores the nature of discipleship as presented in Mark's Gospel, focusing on the demands, challenges, and characteristics of following Jesus, including the role of women and contemporary applications of these teachings.

Area of Study 4B – The Qur'an (Textual Studies)

Area of Study 4B – The Qur'an (Textual Studies) focuses on the study of the Qur'an as the primary source of authority in Islam. It covers two main sections: Beliefs and Teachings of Islam, and Lives of the Prophets and Others. Students explore the themes and teachings of the Qur'an, their significance for Muslims today, and how these texts inform religious life and diversity within Muslim traditions.

The Qur'an: Beliefs and Teachings of Islam

This topic covers the beliefs and teachings of Islam as presented in the Qur'an, focusing on the nature of Allah, the role of prophets, and the application of these teachings to Muslim life, including the concept of Shari'ah law.

The Qur'an: Lives of the Prophets and Others

This topic explores the lives of the Prophets and other significant figures in Islam as presented in the Qur'an, focusing on their roles as messengers, their challenges, and the spiritual truths and examples they provide for Muslims today.