Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A specification (1RA0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel 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 Edexcel 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 Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A (1RA0) 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 Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
Pearson Edexcel’s GCSE (9–1) in Religious Studies A is designed to deepen learners’ understanding of religious beliefs, practices, and their influence in the modern world. Focusing on faith and practice in the 21st century, it enables students to engage with key philosophical and ethical questions, explore two religions in depth, and apply scriptural knowledge to contemporary issues. Students choose to study Catholic Christianity, Christianity, or Islam as their main religion, then select a second religion and either a philosophy and ethics route or textual study. This structure encourages critical thinking, ethical reflection, and respectful engagement with diverse viewpoints, preparing learners for adult life in a pluralistic society:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
1A Catholic Christianity
- Beliefs and Teachings: Trinity, biblical creation, humanity’s nature, incarnation, Paschal Mystery, salvation, eschatology
- Practices: Sacraments, liturgical worship, funeral rites, prayer, forms of piety, pilgrimage, Catholic Social Teaching, mission and evangelism
- Sources of Wisdom and Authority: Bible structure, interpretation, Magisterium, Vatican II, Body of Christ, Church marks, Mary, ethical decision-making
- Forms of Expression and Ways of Life: Architecture, features of churches, sacred art, drama, music, religious symbols
1B Christianity (alternative to 1A)
- Beliefs and Teachings: Trinity, creation, incarnation, Jesus’ last days, salvation, eschatology, problem of evil
- Practices: Worship styles, sacraments, prayer, pilgrimage, festivals, mission, church roles locally and globally
- Sources of Wisdom and Authority: Bible use and authority, Jesus as Word of God, Church leadership, role of women
- Forms of Expression and Ways of Life: Religious art, music, drama, literature, icons
1C Islam (alternative to 1A or 1B)
- Beliefs and Teachings: Six Beliefs, Five Roots (Shi’a), Allah’s nature, prophethood, holy books, angels, predestination, Akhirah
- Practices: Ten Obligatory Acts, Five Pillars, jihad, festivals, pilgrimage
- Sources of Wisdom and Authority: Qur’an, Prophet Muhammad, Hadith, Shari’ah law, Sunni/Shi’a leadership
- Forms of Expression and Ways of Life: Identity, mosque features, calligraphy, Sufism, Shi’a distinctives, charity
Paper 2 (Second Religion Options)
- Covers Beliefs and Teachings + Practices from one additional religion:
- Catholic Christianity, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, or Sikhism
Paper 3 (Philosophy and Ethics) (if selected)
- Arguments for God: Revelation, visions, miracles, design/cosmological arguments, problem of evil
- Ethics: Marriage, sexual relationships, family, roles, gender equality
Paper 4 (Textual Study) (alternative to Paper 3)
- 4A Mark’s Gospel: Identity of Jesus, discipleship
- 4B The Qur’an: Beliefs, teachings, lives of prophets:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Study of Religion (1A–1C)
- 1 hour 45 minutes
- 102 marks
- 50% of GCSE
- Four questions (a–d) per religion: short open, open response, extended writing
- 5% SPaG
Paper 2: Study of Second Religion (2A–2G)
- 50 minutes
- 51 marks
- 25% of GCSE
- Two questions (a–d) per religion: short and extended response
- 5% SPaG
Paper 3: Philosophy and Ethics (3A–3C)
- 50 minutes
- 51 marks
- 25% of GCSE
- Two questions (a–d) related to the primary religion
Paper 4: Textual Studies (4A Mark’s Gospel / 4B Qur’an)
- 50 minutes
- 51 marks
- 25% of GCSE
- Two questions (a–d) per chosen text
Assessment Notes
- SPaG marks count for 5% of each paper
- All assessments are terminal and must be taken in the same exam series
- Questions assess knowledge, analysis, evaluation
- Structured question pattern (a–d) supports clarity and accessibility:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel 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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