Religion, relationships and families overview - Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A

This theme, Religion, relationships and families, applies the beliefs of Christianity and Islam to questions about marriage, sex, family life and gender. It is the second section of Paper 3 (Philosophy and ethics) in Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A (1RA0), studied through the same religion as Paper 1.

What the theme covers

The theme moves from marriage and sexual relationships to families, family planning, divorce and equality.

• Marriage and sexual relationships: the purpose of marriage, cohabitation, sex before marriage and same-sex relationships.
• The purpose and support of families: procreation, raising children, the types of family today, and how the parish or ummah supports families.
• Contraception and family planning: divergent Christian and Muslim attitudes, Humanae Vitae, natural family planning and non-religious views.
• Divorce, remarriage and gender equality: Catholic, Protestant and Muslim views on divorce, and teachings on the equality of men and women.

How it is assessed

This is one section of Paper 3, worth 51 marks and 25 percent of the GCSE. Each topic uses the (a) to (d) pattern: Outline three (3 marks), Explain two (4 marks), Explain two and refer to a source of wisdom and authority (5 marks), and Evaluate a statement (12 marks).

How to study it

For each issue, learn the religious teaching, a source for part (c), and the contrasting views (Catholic and Protestant, Christian and Muslim, religious and non-religious such as Humanist). Note where ethical theories such as situation ethics apply. Rehearse the 12 mark Evaluate structure, since this theme is rich in moral debates with arguments on both sides.

For the official specification

Pearson publishes the full specification (1RA0), past papers and mark schemes at qualifications.pearson.com. Always revise from the current specification and Edexcel past papers.