AQA GCSE Religious Studies 2016
Summary of changes:
 Schools now need to study two religions.
 At least 50% of the course must now be made up of systematic religious study.
 Specific philosophical, ethical and religious themes have been introduced.
Useful links:
 AQA GCSE Religious Studies A draft specification and free support resources.
 AQA GCSE Religious Studies B draft specification and free support resources.
AQA GCSE Religious Studies A
Below is the specification content for Spec A. The options in blue show what we are covering in our
Student Book.
Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs,
teaching and practices
50% of GCSE
1hr 45mins written exam
Students must study:
- Beliefs and teachings
- Practices
Through TWO of the following religions:
- Buddhism
- Christianity
- Catholic Christianity
- Hinduism
- Islam
- Judaism
- Sikhism
(Christianity and Catholic Christianity are a
prohibited combination.)
Component 2: Thematic studies
50% of GCSE
1hr 45mins written exam
Students must study either FOUR Religious,
philosophical and ethical studies themes or two
Religious, philosophical and ethical studies
themes and two Textual studies themes.
Religious, philosophical and ethical studies
themes:
- Theme A: Relationships and Families
- Theme B: Religion and Life
- Theme C: The existence of God and
revelation
- Theme D: Religion, peace and conflict
- Theme E: Religion, crime and
punishment
- Theme F: Religion, human rights and
social justice
Textual studies themes:
- Theme G: St Mark’s Gospel – the life of
Jesus
- Theme H: St Mark’s Gospel as a source
of religious, moral and spiritual truths
Short course
For the short course students must study Beliefs and teaching of two religions (from Christianity,
Islam and Judaism) and themes A and D.
Our Student Book will therefore cover routes through the short course.