AQA GCSE Religious Studies A specification (8062)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA GCSE Religious Studies A exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official AQA GCSE Religious Studies A specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The AQA GCSE Religious Studies A specification offers students a broad and balanced curriculum. It develops their understanding of two religions and ethical and philosophical themes from both religious and non-religious perspectives. The course encourages students to think critically, evaluate arguments and reflect on the significance of religious belief in today’s society.
This qualification enables learners to: • explore beliefs, teachings and practices of two world religions • examine religious and non-religious responses to contemporary ethical issues • develop analytical and evaluative skills in a religious context • construct well-informed, balanced arguments • engage with challenging questions about purpose, values and identity
The course is designed to encourage respect for diversity and promote an understanding of the cultural, ethical and spiritual dimensions of life:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
3.1 Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices Study of two from: Buddhism, Christianity, Catholic Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism (Note: Christianity and Catholic Christianity cannot be combined)
Each religion includes:
- Beliefs and teachings: Key doctrines, sources of wisdom, divergent views, and their influence on individuals and communities
- Practices: Forms of worship, festivals, rites of passage, sacred places, and ethical actions
3.2 Component 2: Thematic studies Study of four themes from the following:
- Theme A: Relationships and families (e.g. marriage, gender equality)
- Theme B: Religion and life (e.g. origins of life and universe, abortion, euthanasia)
- Theme C: The existence of God and revelation (e.g. arguments for/against God, visions, miracles)
- Theme D: Religion, peace and conflict (e.g. war, pacifism, forgiveness)
- Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment (e.g. causes of crime, capital punishment, forgiveness)
- Theme F: Religion, human rights and social justice (e.g. wealth, discrimination, freedom)
Optional textual studies route: Includes both:
- Theme G: St Mark’s Gospel – life of Jesus
- Theme H: St Mark’s Gospel as a source of moral/spiritual truths
Students in the textual route study one religion (Christianity or Catholic Christianity) and 2 ethical themes + 2 textual themes:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices
- Written exam: 1h 45m
- 96 marks + 6 SPaG marks
- 50% of GCSE
- Two religions: two five-part questions (1, 2, 4, 5, 12 marks) per religion
Component 2: Thematic studies
- Written exam: 1h 45m
- 96 marks + 3 SPaG marks
- 50% of GCSE
- Four themes: one five-part question (1, 2, 4, 5, 12 marks) per theme
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding – 50%
- AO2: Analysis and evaluation – 50%
Grading
- Linear qualification: all exams at end of course
- Graded 9–1
- SPaG assessed in 12-mark questions
- Final grade based on scaled total out of 204 marks:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA GCSE Religious Studies A isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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