RE GCSE – Advice & Updates

Advice & Updates: Overview

• To remind you of key pointers and tips for completing
the exam.
 4 mark questions – Updated 2022
Assessment Objective Wording of Question Which Paper?
AO1.2: Influence on Explain…influence(s) Religions papers
individuals, (Beliefs section)
communities and
societies
AO1.3: Similarities and Explain …similar / Religions (Practices
differences within and / contrasting section – contrasts
or between religions   only)
and beliefs
Themes papers
 12 mark question
• Focus on the wording of the question:
• ‘Abortion should be allowed only when the mother’s life is at risk.’

• The distinguishing feature of Level 4 is ‘logical chains of reasoning leading to

judgement(s)’
• Clear explanation:
• Explaining how your evidence supports your point
• Using the wording of the question
• Justified conclusion:
• Using new evidence, which hasn’t been used in your answer, to explain why the PEEL/paragraph
against you is incorrect.
 What is the examiner looking for?

• In-depth subject knowledge

• Clear answer structure, including PEEL where required
• Justified conclusion
• SPaG
The Paper: Beliefs and
Teachings & Practices

You will have two

question and answer
booklets for this paper:
1.Christianity: Beliefs
and Teachings &
Practices
2.Islam: Beliefs and
Teachings & Practices
 The Paper: Themes

You will have two booklets

for this paper:
1.Themes Question
Paper
2.Themes Answer
Booklet
How is SPaG awarded?
 How is SPaG awarded?

Paper 1: Beliefs and Teachings & Practices

• Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPaG) will be assessed in the 12-mark
question in the Beliefs section.
• Total available SPaG marks: 6 marks

Paper 2: Themes
• Spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG) will be assessed in the 12-mark
question. The marks for SPaG are shown below the mark allocation for each
question. The best of these marks will be included in your total for the paper.
• Total available SPaG marks: 3 marks
 On the day
Before the exam:
• Put everything you don’t need for the exam in your locker i.e. your planner!
• Ten minutes before the exam start time, go to the waiting area for your exam
room.
• You must not enter the exam room until instructed to do so.
• Bring all necessary equipment to your exam:
• At least two black ink, ball point or biro pens.
• Clear water bottle – labels removed.
• See through pencil case
• Exam timetable
 On the day
• Paper 1 – Monday 16th May 2022 (AM)
Once the exam has
• Christianity: Beliefs and Teachings finished please go straight
• Christianity: Practices to your period 2 lesson.
• Islam: Beliefs and Teachings Do not go back to your
lockers.
• Islam: Practices

• Paper 2 – Thursday 26th May 2022 (PM)

• Theme: Religion, Peace and Conflict
• Theme: Existence of God and Revelation
• Theme: Religion and Life
• Theme: Relationships and Families
You are on study leave
this day so do not come
into school till your exam
in the afternoon.
 What can I do in the coming weeks?
•Test yourself on Key Terms/quotations.
•For each topic ensure you have arguments for and against 12 mark style questions:
•Christianity B & T: Why is the resurrection the most important concept within Christianity?
•Christianity Practices: Why is evangelism an important part of the worldwide Church?
•Islam B & T: Why is the Qur’an the best way a Muslim can learn about their faith?
•Islam Practices: Why is Hajj the best way for a Muslim to demonstrate their faith?
•Religion, Peace and Conflict: Why should religious believers help all victims of war?
•Marriage and Families: Why would some argue that gender prejudice can never be overcome?
•Religion & Life: Is animal experimentation incompatible with religious beliefs?
•The Existence of God & Revelation: Why is general revelation the best way to understand the
divine?
•Know at least three different case studies/subject specific examples for each topic.
•Revise over question structures.
•Practise PPQs and then self-mark – found on the AQA website and on the shared area.