Religious Studies Syllabus
Religious Studies Syllabus
INTRODUCTION
This syllabus comprises biblical studies, contemporary issues and world religions. It
reflects the fact that the religious traditions of the United Kingdom are, in the main,
Christian while taking into account other principal religions represented in the United
Kingdom. It thus meets the requirements of the 1944 Education Act (Section 28 where
appropriate) and the 1966 Education Act (Section 375).
The syllabus provides a common body of knowledge which senior schools can assume
when creating their religious studies courses. It is distinctive in that candidates study a full
issues-based course which requires the ability to read, interpret religious texts and
understand religion in its contemporary setting. It also provides a coherent course,
balanced in terms of breadth and depth, and offers all candidates, of any religious
persuasion or none, the opportunity to demonstrate their attainment, irrespective of their
gender or ethnic or social background.
AIMS
09/01/15
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
Although the assessment objectives are expressed separately, they are not wholly
discrete.
SYLLABUS CONTENT
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SECTION 2: INTERPRETING THE NEW TESTAMENT
Jesus’ Teaching
Contemporary Issues
The areas of study broadly cover:
• science and religion
• stewardship and the environment
• law, rules and human rights
• leadership and wisdom
• social justice and treatment of the poor
• prejudice and discrimination
• attitudes to death
Candidates will be expected to show knowledge of religious and non-religious responses
to these issues. (See Appendix VII for more details of each topic.)
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World Religions
The areas of study for each religion broadly cover:
• founders, prophets and teachers
• main beliefs, teachings and doctrines
• holy books
• main festivals
• main ceremonies and worship
• places of worship
• service to the community
• pilgrimage
• main traditions
Questions will be based on a selection of passages from the Seeking Religion series,
published by Hodder Education. (See Appendix VII for more specific detail for each
religion.)
COURSEWORK
Coursework may be offered instead of the Section 3, World Religions and Contemporary
Issues section. This option invites candidates to research a particular religious moral belief
or practice from one major world religion as examined in Section 3. The research for this
might include textbooks, interviews, internet, visiting speakers etc. (See Appendices IV, V
and VI).
SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT
The examination will be 40 minutes in length for those who have chosen a coursework
option and 60 minutes in length for all other candidates. Candidates will be required to
demonstrate knowledge and understanding, and the ability to evaluate alternative points
of view.
Sections 1 and 2 (42 marks)
Each section will contain four questions. Each question will be subdivided into four parts,
to test knowledge, understanding and evaluation. Candidates must answer one question
from Section 1 and one question from Section 2. In each of Sections 1 and 2, the texts will
be grouped according to themes (e.g. God, Human Nature and Covenant). Two questions
will be set for each theme. Candidates may restrict their study to one theme in each
section if they wish (but this will reduce their choice of questions in the examination).
Candidates may opt instead to submit coursework, based on this section. (See Appendix
IV).
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SCHOLARSHIP
The paper is 60 minutes in length and will consist of two sections with six questions in
Section 1 and nine questions in Section 2.
Section 2: Old Testament, New Testament and World Religions (25 marks)
Three structured questions will be set on each area (Old Testament, New Testament and
World Religions). Candidates must answer one question.
Candidates must answer one question from Section 1 and one question from Section 2.
(Questions marked with an asterisk will be suitable for those who have been prepared for
Syllabus B.)
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APPENDIX I
ASSESSMENT
These tables give the approximate weightings for each assessment component. In any
particular examination series, however, the weightings for the assessment objectives in
the examination papers may vary very slightly.
Common Entrance
Scholarship
Section AO1 AO2 AO3 Marks
1 20% 20% 60% 25
2 20% 40% 40% 25
Total 20% 30% 50% 50
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APPENDIX II
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
AO1: Knowledge
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AO2: Understanding
AO3: Evaluation
Sections 1 and 2 (part d)
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APPENDIX III
Section 2: Old Testament, New Testament and World Religions (25 marks)
Part a (knowledge)
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Section 2: Old Testament, New Testament and World Religions (continued)
Part d (evaluation)
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APPENDIX IV
COURSEWORK: STRUCTURE AND ALLOCATION OF MARKS
The coursework should be between 750-1500 words. The following structure and
allocation of marks should be used:
Acknowledgements (2 marks)
Candidates should include a bibliography and a list of any other resources used.
Final mark
The 36 marks allocated to this section will be divided by two.
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APPENDIX V
Conclusion
Level Mark Level Descriptor
1 1 Basic summary of conclusions stated.
2 2 Summary stated clearly; comment on findings adequate.
3 3 Good, clear and succinct statement of findings.
4 4 Very clear, well-expressed statement of findings and their significance.
Acknowledgements
2 marks are available for the senior school to judge the appropriate quality of the
acknowledgements, presentation, spelling, grammar etc.
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APPENDIX VI
Word and PDF versions of this form should be downloaded from the ISEB website. This form should be
attached to the candidate’s coursework and sent to the senior school for marking during the term before the
examination. Marking criteria can be found in the religious studies syllabus.
NAME ..............................................................................................................................................................
PRESENT SCHOOL .............................................................................................................................................
Mark
Component Criteria Max Mark
Awarded
Word length • 750-1500 words
Introduction and investigative • a statement of the aims of the project 5
methods
• background information, if applicable
• an outline of the main areas of investigation
• a statement of how the information has been
collected
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Declaration
The work of this candidate has been undertaken under regular supervision. Any assistance given to the
candidate is recorded below. The degree of teacher assistance given in the completion of the enquiry and
details of any ICT used are also noted. (Please record here a note of any assistance given.)
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APPENDIX VII
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142-145 life arguments, quality of life
152-155 arguments, euthanasia and
ending life, Cicely Saunders
and hospice movement, war
and pacifism
Parts B-G: World Religions
Page references are to the Seeking Religion (Hodder Education) series. However,
candidates may study any sources they wish.
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The Christian Experience 4-6 Jesus
0340 74768 4 10-13 Bible
14-19 Beliefs
20-22 Baptism
28-30 Prayer
31-33 Places of worship
34-36 Holy Communion
42-43 Marriage
44-47 Easter
48-49 Festivals
50-53 Pilgrimage
The Muslim Experience 8-9 Awesome
0340 74770 6 10-11 Muhammad
12-14 Message
21-23 Qur’an
24-27 Beliefs
28-30 Salah
31-33 Mosque
36-37 Zakah
38-39 Sawm
40-42 Hajj
43-44 Birth and death
45-46 Marriage
47-49 Family life
52-54 Festivals
The Hindu Experience 11-14 Holy Books
0340 74769 2 15-19 Beliefs
20-22 Caste and dharma
23-25 Goal
26-31 God/forms
35-41 Life cycle
42-44 Pilgrimage
45-49 Festivals
50-52 Worship at home
53-55 Temple
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APPENDIX VIII
TEXTBOOKS AND OTHER TEACHING RESOURCES
The Jewish Experience, Liz Aylett and Kevin O’Donnell, Hodder Education
The Hindu Experience, Liz Aylett and Kevin O’Donnell, Hodder Education
The Christian Experience, JF Aylett and Kevin O’Donnell, Hodder Education
The Muslim Experience, JF Aylett and Kevin O’Donnell, Hodder Education
The Sikh Experience, Philip Emmett, Hodder Education
The Buddhist Experience, Mel Thompson, Hodder Education
Religious Studies for Common Entrance (second edition), Susan Grenfell, Hodder
Education – Pupil’s Book and Teacher’s Resource Book
Preparing for Common Entrance Religious Studies: A Guide for Pupils (second edition),
Michael Wilcockson, Galore Park
Religious Studies: ISEB Revision Guide (second edition), Michael Wilcockson, Galore
Park
Religious Studies Practice Exercises 13+, Michael Wilcockson and Susan Grenfell, Galore
Park
Religious Studies Practice Exercises 13+ Answer Book, Michael Wilcockson and Susan
Grenfell, Galore Park
Holy Bible: New International Version, Hodder & Stoughton
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APPENDIX IX
PRE-COMMON ENTRANCE: KEY STAGE 2
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APPENDIX X
GLOSSARY FOR SECTIONS 1 AND 2
Ark of the Covenant sacred box containing the two tablets of the Law (Ten Commandments)
atonement getting back into a right relationship with God
Baal Canaanite god
baptism symbolic washing away of sin
blasphemy speaking against God or making oneself equal to God
blessed given true happiness by God
Christ or Messiah anointed one
covenant agreement between God and His people
crucifixion Roman death penalty of being nailed to a cross
disciple follower or student
discrimination acting negatively against someone or some people
Eden garden in Genesis 2 where everything is perfect
Exodus way out or departure from Egypt
faith having an active trust in someone or in God
The Fall the moment when Adam and Eve sinned and fell from grace
fasting going without food to enable oneself to be more aware of God
justice treating others fairly
miracle act of God which breaks the laws of physics
pacifist person who refuses to fight or use violent force
parable story comparing the Kingdom of God with everyday human events
persecution harassment or ill-treatment on grounds of religious beliefs
Pharisee Jewish religious teacher who taught strict obedience to the Law
prejudice holding an irrational view against someone or some people
prophet person chosen by God to speak God’s message to the people
repentance a sincere change of heart
resurrection rising to new life from the dead
Sabbath Jewish day of rest
sacrifice giving up something for something of greater value
salvation being saved and brought into relationship with God
Sanhedrin Jewish ruling council
sin disobeying God and separating oneself from Him
Sinai/Horeb mountain of God
Son of God Jesus’ unique relationship with God
Son of Man Jesus’ role as the one who would suffer for others
stewardship looking after the world for God
temptation the desire to do something wrong
transfiguration change of appearance
wisdom ability to distinguish between good and evil
worship giving praise and honour to God
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