Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B specification (1RB0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel 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 Edexcel 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 Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B (1RB0) 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
The Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) in Religious Studies B (Beliefs in Action) allows students to explore religion in the modern world through ethical, philosophical, and societal lenses. It develops learners’ understanding of two religions, including their beliefs, practices, and influence on individuals and communities. The qualification aims to foster critical thinking, evaluative writing, and respectful engagement with a range of perspectives, including religious and non-religious worldviews.
Students will: • engage with key ethical and philosophical issues such as family, crime, life and death • study two religions in depth from a choice of seven, ensuring both breadth and depth • analyse scriptures, religious teachings, and sources of authority • reflect on their own beliefs and values within a pluralistic and global context • build skills for progression, such as structured argumentation and evaluation
The flexible design enables schools to select from three Areas of Study to best match student interests. This qualification supports progression to A Level Religious Studies and related humanities subjects:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Area of Study 1: Religion and Ethics Students choose one religion from: Catholic Christianity, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, or Sikhism.
- Beliefs: Nature of God, creation, incarnation, salvation, afterlife
- Marriage and the Family: Purpose of marriage, sexuality, family roles, divorce, gender equality
- Living the Religious Life: Worship, sacraments or equivalents, festivals, prayer, social teaching, mission
- Matters of Life and Death: Origins of life, sanctity of life, abortion, euthanasia, environmental ethics
Area of Study 2: Religion, Peace and Conflict Students choose a different religion from the same list.
- Beliefs: Core doctrines and their significance
- Crime and Punishment: Aims of punishment, forgiveness, justice, capital punishment
- Living the Religious Life: As above, focused on religious expression and practice
- Peace and Conflict: Just war, pacifism, terrorism, peace-making
Area of Study 3: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice Students choose a different religion from the same list.
- Beliefs: Nature of God and religious teachings
- Philosophy of Religion: Arguments for God's existence, the problem of evil
- Living the Religious Life: Worship, prayer, festivals
- Equality: Social justice, prejudice, discrimination, roles of men and women, wealth and poverty:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Religion and Ethics (1RB0/1A–1G)
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 102 marks
- 50% of GCSE
- Four sections: Beliefs, Marriage and the Family, Living the Religious Life, Matters of Life and Death
- Question types: (a) to (d) per topic – short open, open response, extended writing
- 5% SPaG
Paper 2: Religion, Peace and Conflict (1RB0/2A–2G)
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 102 marks
- 50% of GCSE
- Four sections: Beliefs, Crime and Punishment, Living the Religious Life, Peace and Conflict
- Question types: (a) to (d) per topic – short open, open response, extended writing
- 5% SPaG
Alternative Option – Paper 3: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice (1RB0/3A–3G)
- Same format and assessment as Paper 2
- Four sections: Beliefs, Philosophy of Religion, Living the Religious Life, Equality
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding of religion and beliefs
- AO2: Analysis and evaluation of religious beliefs, teachings and practices
Grading and Conditions
- Grade scale: 9–1
- All assessments to be completed in one exam series (May/June)
- Each religion chosen must be different for each area of study:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel 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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