Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies 2016 - Specification Overview

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Đào

Brochure outlining Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Religious Studies specifications for 2016, explaining how the qualifications help students explore religions and beliefs, develop knowledge and understanding, and confidently interpret and analyse religious and worldview expressions. Presents two distinct full courses—Specification A (Faith and Practice in the 21st Century) and Specification B (Beliefs in Action)—including study splits, available areas of study, component choices, and the structure of externally set examinations. Also highlights high-quality support and resources and provides next steps for schools.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Two distinct approaches to suit your school

Specification A: Faith and Practice in the 21st Century

Specification B: Beliefs in Action

Next Steps

GCSE (9–1) Religious Studies Exploring different religions and beliefs Discover our new qualifications for 2016 Look out for Pearson’s published resources too! Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies 2016 This brochure provides an overview of the specifications for our new Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Religious Studies qualifications. We’ll outline how our specifications will inspire your students, address changes to the qualification, and we’ll also outline the high-quality support and resources you can expect. We’ll provide: Two distinct approaches to suit your school ....................3 Choice of specifications Specification A & B ....................4-5 Flexible study combinations of religions and topics..........6 Clear and accessible assessments ................................. 7 Expert support and guidance .......................................... 8-11 Next Steps ...................................................................... 12 Exploring different religions and beliefs We have a choice of two GCSE Religious Studies qualifications that will allow you to explore the different topics, religions and beliefs you know your students enjoy whilst helping them to develop a greater knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Our qualifications encourage students to engage with a wide range of concepts to enable them to interpret, contextualise and analyse the expressions of religions and worldviews theyencounter with confidence. 2 Two distinct approaches to suit your school Pearson currently offers two GCSE full courses offering two very distinct approaches to cater for the differing needs of faith and non-faith schools so you can pick the one that meets the needs of your students. Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Religious Studies Specification A Faith and Practice in the 21st Century Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Religious Studies Specification B Beliefs in Action Full course Study of two religions split 75/25 Primary religion from a choice of Christianity, Catholic Christianity or Islam Second religion from a choice of seven* Choice of Philosophy and Ethics or Textual Study in primary religion Full course Study of two religions split 50/50 from a choice of seven* Choose two components from: Religion and Ethics Religion, Peace and Conflict Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice *Choice of Christianity, Catholic Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism or Sikhism. The two religions cannot be Christianity and Catholic Christianity. See pages 4-5 for our qualifications at a glance 3 Specification A: Faith and Practice in the 21st Century This specification enables schools to focus 75% of teaching on their primary religion allowing students to develop an in-depth understanding of the beliefs, teachings and practices. • You focus 75% of teaching on your primary religion and 25% on one other religion from a choice of seven. • Offers a choice between Philosophy and Ethics or Textual Study (Mark’s Gospel or the Qur’an) in your primary religion to help you build a course to suit your students. • Brings to life the foundations of faith and practice. GCSE Specification A at a glance Consists of 3 Areas of Study, which are then assessed through 3 externally set examination papers (2 compulsory and your choice of paper 3 or paper 4) . Paper 1 – Study of Religion • Choose 1 religion from Christianity, Catholic Christianity or Islam • Content-Beliefs and teachings, Practices, Sources of Wisdom & Authority, and Forms of Expression and Ways of Life Assessment 1 hour 45 mins 50% Paper 2-Study of Second Religion • Choose from Christianity, Catholic Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Sikhismmust be different from primary religion and students can not study Christianity and Catholic Christianity together • Content-Beliefs and teachings, Practices Assessment 50 mins 25% EITHER: Paper 3: Philosophy an

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Religious Studies 2016 specifications brochure?

It provides an overview of the specifications for the new Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Religious Studies qualifications and explains how they support teaching, address qualification changes, and deliver high-quality support and resources.

How does Specification A structure teaching and assessment?

Specification A focuses 75% of teaching on a primary religion and 25% on one other religion, assessed through three externally set examination papers (two compulsory plus a choice of paper 3 or 4).

What flexibility do schools get with Specification B?

Specification B allows schools to teach any combination of two different religions from a choice of seven, using equally weighted components so that students study two areas with two externally set examination papers, each worth 50%.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Đào