AQA GCSE Religious Studies B specification (8063)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA GCSE Religious Studies B 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 B 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 B (8063) 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
AQA’s GCSE Religious Studies B allows students to explore Catholic Christianity in depth alongside either Islam or Judaism. It supports understanding of religion through sacred texts, practices and doctrines, while encouraging evaluation of moral and philosophical issues or biblical sources. The course develops students’ skills in critical thinking, reflection, and reasoned argument in both faith and contemporary contexts.
This qualification enables learners to: • study Catholic beliefs, practices, and sources of authority in depth • understand a second major world religion (Islam or Judaism) • explore either ethical/philosophical issues or scripture (St Mark’s Gospel) • analyse how belief influences behaviour, society, and values • reflect critically on religious and secular responses to moral and spiritual issues
It provides structured theological learning while supporting development of literacy, reasoned debate and ethical engagement:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Catholic Christianity
Topics (students study 4 of 6):
- Creation: God as creator, Genesis accounts, image of God, stewardship, Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam
- Incarnation: Jesus as Son of God and Son of Man, incarnation’s influence on moral teaching, sacramental theology, symbols like Chi-Rho, statues
- The Triune God: Nicene Creed, music in worship, Trinitarian doctrine, baptism and prayer
- Redemption: Paschal mystery, Eucharist, Church design and furnishings, salvation metaphors
- Church and the Kingdom of God: Pilgrimage, Stations of the Cross, Vatican II, social mission
- Eschatology: Afterlife, judgement, Last Rites, funerals, Michelangelo’s Last Judgement, the Paschal candle
Component 2: Perspectives on faith
Section A: One religion from:
- Islam:
- Sunni/Shi’a beliefs: Tawhid, prophets, angels, judgement, Qur’an, imamate
- Five Pillars, Salah, Sawm, Zakah, Hajj, Jihad, festivals
- Judaism:
- Nature of God, life after death, covenants, mitzvot
- Synagogue features, Shabbat, worship, family rituals, dietary laws, festivals
Section B: Two thematic options (choose either A–C or D–E)
- A: Religion, relationships and families
- B: Religion, peace and conflict
- C: Religion, human rights and social justice
- D–E: St Mark’s Gospel (Life and Spiritual Truth):
- Life of Jesus, miracle stories, crucifixion, resurrection
- Parables, discipleship, social justice, Kingdom of God, authority of Mark’s Gospel:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Component 1: Catholic Christianity
- Written exam: 1h 45m
- 96 marks + 3 SPaG marks
- 50% of GCSE
- Four 5-part questions (1, 2, 4, 5, 12 marks)
- 12-mark question tests analysis and evaluation
Component 2: Perspectives on faith
- Written exam: 1h 45m
- 96 marks + 6 SPaG marks
- 50% of GCSE
- Section A: Islam or Judaism – two 5-part questions
- Section B: Two themes (either A–C or D–E) – one 5-part question per theme
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding – 50%
- AO2: Analysis and evaluation – 50%
Grading and Structure
- Graded 9–1
- Total scaled mark: 204
- SPaG marks included in 12-mark responses:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA GCSE Religious Studies B 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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