Religious StudiesQ&A by dot point

The WJEC GCSE Religious Studies exam structure: the two units (Religion and Philosophical Themes; Religion and Ethical Themes), the Part A and Part B division, the (a) to (d) question ladder and its mark tariffs, the AO1 and AO2 assessment objectives, the use of sources of wisdom, and the SPaG marks in the extended evaluation question.

Christianity core beliefs and teachings for Unit 1 Part A: the nature of God (omnipotent, loving, just), the Trinity, creation and the Word, the Incarnation, the life and teaching of Jesus, the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, salvation, grace and atonement, and beliefs about life after death (judgement, heaven and hell).

Islam core beliefs and teachings for Unit 1 Part A: the nature of Allah and Tawhid, the Six Beliefs of Sunni Islam (with the Five Roots of Shi'a Islam), angels and predestination, prophethood and Muhammad as the Seal of the Prophets, the Qur'an and other holy books, and akhirah (life after death, the Day of Judgement, paradise and hell).

Issues of Good and Evil (Unit 1, Theme 2): the problem of evil and suffering, sources of moral authority and goodness, crime and the causes of crime, the aims of punishment, forgiveness and reconciliation, and the death penalty (capital punishment), including religious and non-religious responses.

Issues of Life and Death (Unit 1, Theme 1): the origins of the universe and of human life (creation and scientific views), the value and sanctity of life and quality of life, abortion, euthanasia, and beliefs about life after death, including religious and non-religious (atheist and Humanist) responses.

Christianity practices for Unit 2 Part A: forms of worship and prayer, the sacraments (baptism and the Eucharist), the role and importance of the Church and the local community, the major festivals (Christmas and Easter), pilgrimage, and mission and charity (evangelism and helping others).

Islam practices for Unit 2 Part A: the Five Pillars (Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm and Hajj), worship in the mosque, the major festivals (Id-ul-Fitr and Id-ul-Adha), and the meaning of jihad (the greater and lesser struggle), as expressions of Muslim belief and community.

Issues of Human Rights (Unit 2, Theme 4): human dignity and equality, prejudice and discrimination (including racism and religious discrimination), social justice and the work of justice, poverty and the responsible use of wealth, and freedom of religion and freedom of expression, including religious and non-religious responses.

Issues of Relationships (Unit 2, Theme 3): the nature and purpose of marriage, attitudes to sex, cohabitation, divorce and remarriage, the family and its purpose, the roles of men and women and gender equality, and contraception and family planning, including religious and non-religious responses.