Specification/Exam Board

AQA GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES, ROUTE A

COMPONENT 1 - At GCSE in Religious Studies we must study Christianity as it is the main faith in Great Britain. We then have the choice about which religion to study as our second faith. We chose Islam as it is the fastest growing faith in the world. The key teachings also contrast nicely and compliment the Christian understanding of God. This side of the GCSE while being in the main part a Theological approach also has elements of the Philosophy of Religion.

COMPONENT 2 - We have to study 4 out of 6 modules for the THEMES. We have chosen A, B, D and E. These modules flow well together in terms of the teachings used. This side of the GCSE provides an ethical approach to R.S.

It is important to note that we do not teach all modules in a linear fashion. The curriculum intent in R.S. is to develop and layer the knowledge using an interweaved approach. So for Component 1 we break down the modules by concept and theme.

Curriculum Allocation

GCSE Religious Studies is taught for 2 x 100 minute lessons per fortnight.

Curriculum Period 1:

Curriculum content 

COMPONENT 1 - CHRISTIAN PRACTICES (we started this module in Year 10)

• The Sacraments
• Baptism
• Eucharist (Holy Communion)
• Pilgrimage - Jerusalem
• Festivals, Christmas and Easter
• Christianity in the local community - Food Banks and Street Pastors
• Christianity in the Global Community - e.g. Christian Aid
• Persecution of Christians

NEW MODULE - COMPONENT 1 - Islam Practices

• Introduction to Islam Practices - The 5 Pillars - focus on the Shahada
• Salat

Assessment

50% Component 1 - Christian Beliefs and Teachings and Christian Practices

50% Component 2 - THEME A and B

Curriculum Period 2:

Curriculum content

CONTINUE ISLAM PRACTICES

• The importance of the Mosque
• Zakat
• Sawm (link to festival of Eid Ul Fitr)
• Hajj (link to festival of Eid Ul Adha)
• Ashura
• Jihad

NEW MODULE - THEME D - Religion, Peace and Conflict

• What is War? The Just War Theory
• Holy War
• Terrorism
• Responding to Victims of war and violence
• Christian attitudes towards pacifism
• Violence and Violent Protest
• Responses to WMDS
• Forgiveness and Reconciliation after conflict

Assessment

50 % CHRISTIANITY Beliefs, Teachings and Christian Practices

50 % ISLAM Beliefs, Teachings and Islam Practices

Curriculum Period 3:

Curriculum content

NEW MODULE - THEME E  - Religion, Crime and Punishment

• Causes of Crime
• Types and Aim of Punishment
• Does Prison Work?
• Christian Attitudes to Corporal Punishment
• Christian Attitudes towards the Death Penalty
• Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Assessment

PLEASE NOTE - AQA have reduced the course content for the summer exams on COMPONENT 1 ONLY. All students will be informed of what has been cut etc after the second round of mocks. This will allow them to focus their revision for the summer exams! They will be given an updated checklist.

Revision resources