GCSEGeniusReligious Studies

AQA · 8062

AQA GCSE Religious Studies

6 areas and 577 questions, with AQA's question types and specification references.

The papers

  • Component 1: The study of religions 96 marks, 105 minutes.
  • Component 2: Thematic studies 96 marks, 105 minutes.

What this course covers

Other religions, Themes C and F and the St Mark’s Gospel themes are not in this course yet.

Exam skills: every question type

AQA All, Components 1 and 2

  • Every question type, and what earns credit AQA Component 1 and 2: questions of 1, 1, 4, 6 and 12 marks
    • Know each board's question types: give one, outline three, explain two, and evaluate
    • Tell a simple explanation from a detailed one, and a named source of authority from a vague one
    • Explain contrasting beliefs with Christianity as the main religious tradition of Great Britain and another tradition
    LessonPractice
  • Writing the 12-mark evaluation AQA 12-mark questions, Components 1 and 2
    • Build a chain of reasoning that supports a view with religious teaching
    • Argue a different point of view, including different views within a religion and non-religious views
    • Reach a justified conclusion that follows from the arguments
    LessonPractice

Christianity: beliefs and practices

AQA 3.1.2, Component 1

  • The nature of God, the Trinity and the problem of evil AQA 3.1.2.1 The nature of God
    • Explain Christian beliefs that God is omnipotent, loving and just, and one God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit
    • Explain why evil and suffering challenge belief in a loving, all-powerful God
    • Explain Christian responses to the problem of evil, including free will, prayer and charity
    LessonPractice
  • Creation and the afterlife AQA 3.1.2.1 Creation, AQA 3.1.2.1 The afterlife
    • Explain Christian beliefs about creation, including the Word and Spirit in Genesis 1:1-3 and John 1:1-3
    • Compare literal and non-literal readings of the creation accounts
    • Explain Christian beliefs about resurrection, judgement, heaven and hell, and why they matter for how Christians live
    LessonPractice
  • Jesus Christ and salvation AQA 3.1.2.1 Jesus Christ and salvation
    • Explain the incarnation and the belief that Jesus is the Son of God
    • Describe the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension and explain their significance
    • Explain sin, original sin, salvation through law, grace and the Spirit, and atonement
    LessonPractice
  • Worship, prayer and the sacraments AQA 3.1.2.2 Worship and festivals: worship, prayer, sacraments
    • Compare liturgical, non-liturgical, informal and private worship, and the use of the Bible
    • Explain the Lord's Prayer, set prayers and informal prayer
    • Explain baptism (infant and believers') and Holy Communion, and why Christians understand them differently
    LessonPractice
  • Pilgrimage and celebrations AQA 3.1.2.2 Pilgrimage and celebrations
    • Explain the purpose of pilgrimage, with Lourdes and Iona as contrasting examples
    • Explain how and why Christians celebrate Christmas and Easter
    • Explain the importance of these practices for Christians in Great Britain today
    LessonPractice
  • The Church in the local and worldwide community AQA 3.1.2.2 The role of the church in the local and worldwide community
    • Explain the Church's work in the local community, including food banks and street pastors
    • Explain mission, evangelism and Church growth
    • Explain the worldwide Church's work for reconciliation, its response to persecution, and the work of a Christian relief agency
    LessonPractice

Islam: beliefs and practices

AQA 3.1.5, Component 1

  • Tawhid, the nature of Allah and the articles of faith AQA 3.1.5.1 Key beliefs: six articles, five roots, Tawhid, the nature of God
    • Explain the six articles of faith in Sunni Islam and the five roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi'a Islam
    • Explain Tawhid with reference to Surah 112, and why shirk is the most serious sin
    • Explain Allah's attributes, including immanence, transcendence, mercy and justice (Adalat)
    LessonPractice
  • Angels, predestination and the afterlife AQA 3.1.5.1 Angels; predestination; Akhirah
    • Explain the nature and role of angels, including Jibril and Mika'il
    • Explain predestination (al-Qadr) and how Muslims understand human freedom alongside it
    • Explain beliefs about the Day of Judgement, accountability, paradise and hell
    LessonPractice
  • Prophethood, the holy books and the imamate AQA 3.1.5.1 Authority: Risalah, the holy books, the imamate
    • Explain Risalah and the importance of Adam, Ibrahim and Muhammad
    • Explain the Qur'an's revelation and authority, and the status of the Torah, Psalms, Gospel and Scrolls of Abraham
    • Explain the role and significance of the imamate in Shi'a Islam
    LessonPractice
  • The Five Pillars, the Ten Obligatory Acts, Shahadah and Salah AQA 3.1.5.2 Worship: the Five Pillars and Ten Obligatory Acts, Shahadah, Salah
    • Explain the Five Pillars of Sunni Islam and the Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi'a Islam
    • Explain the Shahadah and its place in Muslim life
    • Explain how and why Muslims pray, including wudu, rak'ahs, Jummah and differences between Sunni and Shi'a practice
    LessonPractice
  • Sawm, Zakah, Khums and Hajj AQA 3.1.5.2 Duties and festivals: sawm, zakah, hajj
    • Explain fasting in Ramadan, its exceptions and the Night of Power
    • Explain zakah and khums: who gives, who receives and why
    • Explain the origins of Hajj and the significance of what pilgrims do at the Ka'aba, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah
    LessonPractice
  • Jihad, festivals and commemorations AQA 3.1.5.2 Jihad; festivals and commemorations
    • Explain greater and lesser jihad and the conditions for declaring lesser jihad
    • Explain the origins and meaning of Id-ul-Fitr, Id-ul-Adha and Ashura
    • Explain the importance of these festivals for Muslims in Great Britain today
    LessonPractice

Relationships and families

AQA Theme A, Component 2

  • Sex, marriage and divorce AQA Theme A: Sex, marriage and divorce
    • Explain religious and non-religious views on sexual relationships, cohabitation and same-sex relationships
    • Explain the purpose of marriage and contrasting views on contraception
    • Explain religious teaching on divorce and remarriage, including the sanctity of vows and compassion
    LessonPractice
  • Families and gender equality AQA Theme A: Families and gender equality
    • Explain the nature and purpose of families, including procreation, stability and bringing children up in a faith
    • Explain religious views on same-sex parents and polygamy
    • Explain religious teaching on the roles of men and women, gender equality and discrimination
    LessonPractice

Religion and life

AQA Theme B, Component 2

  • The universe, the environment and animals AQA Theme B: The origins and value of the universe
    • Explain religious and scientific views on the origins of the universe, including the Big Bang
    • Explain stewardship, dominion, awe and wonder, and religious responses to pollution and the use of resources
    • Explain contrasting religious views on animal experimentation and using animals for food
    LessonPractice
  • Human life, abortion, euthanasia and life after death AQA Theme B: The origins and value of human life
    • Explain sanctity of life and quality of life, and religious views on evolution
    • Explain contrasting religious and non-religious views on abortion and euthanasia
    • Explain beliefs about life after death and how they affect views on the value of life
    LessonPractice

Religion, peace and conflict

AQA Theme D, Component 2

  • Peace, violence and war AQA Theme D: Religion, violence, terrorism and war
    • Explain peace, justice, forgiveness and reconciliation in religious teaching
    • Explain religious views on violence, terrorism and the reasons for war
    • Explain just war theory, holy war and pacifism, with contrasting views
    LessonPractice
  • Weapons of mass destruction, peacemaking and victims of war AQA Theme D: Religion and belief in 21st century conflict
    • Explain religion as a cause of conflict and as a force for peace today
    • Explain religious views on nuclear weapons, deterrence and weapons of mass destruction
    • Explain the work of religious peacemakers and of a religious organisation that helps victims of war
    LessonPractice

Religion, crime and punishment

AQA Theme E, Component 2

  • Crime, its causes and good and evil AQA Theme E: Religion, crime and the causes of crime
    • Explain good and evil intentions and actions, and whether it can be good to cause suffering
    • Explain the reasons people commit crime and religious views about those who do
    • Explain religious views on hate crime, theft and murder, and on justice
    LessonPractice
  • Punishment, forgiveness and the death penalty AQA Theme E: Religion and punishment
    • Explain retribution, deterrence and reformation and religious views on each
    • Explain religious views on prison, corporal punishment, community service and forgiveness
    • Explain contrasting views on the death penalty, including utility and the sanctity of life
    LessonPractice

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Independent practice for AQA GCSE Religious Studies (8062) and Pearson Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies (1RB0). Not affiliated with or endorsed by AQA or Pearson.

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