WJEC GCSE Religious Studies specification (3120)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC GCSE Religious Studies 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 WJEC GCSE Religious Studies 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 WJEC GCSE Religious Studies (3120) 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 WJEC specification PDF.
Specification overview
WJEC’s GCSE in Religious Studies provides a distinctive, issues-based approach to the study of religious, philosophical, and ethical themes in the modern world. Learners explore the beliefs, teachings, and practices of at least two religions, alongside consideration of non-religious perspectives such as atheism and humanism. Through this study, they engage with big questions about life, values, meaning, purpose and truth, and how belief influences individuals and societies.
The qualification aims to: • deepen knowledge and understanding of religious and non-religious beliefs and sources of wisdom • develop coherent written arguments, demonstrating breadth and depth of understanding • promote engagement with philosophical and ethical themes through scriptural reflection • encourage learners to reflect on their own values and beliefs • foster understanding of religious diversity in Wales and globally
This course supports the development of informed, thoughtful and critically reflective citizens in a pluralistic society:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Unit 1: Religion and Philosophical Themes
Part A – Beliefs and Practices
Study Christianity or Catholic Christianity alongside one other religion (Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism):
- Core beliefs: e.g. God, Trinity, Incarnation, Resurrection
- Practices: worship, morality, festivals, community functions
- Non-Christian religions include teachings on God, scripture, worship, key practices, identity
Part B – Philosophical Themes:
- Issues of Life and Death: origins of the universe, sanctity of life, abortion, euthanasia, beliefs about afterlife
- Issues of Good and Evil: morality, punishment, forgiveness, suffering, death penalty
Unit 2: Religion and Ethical Themes
Part A – Beliefs and Practices
Study Christianity and a second world religion as above, focusing on:
- Scripture, identity, sacred places, and rites
- Key practices like pilgrimage, sacraments, festivals
Part B – Ethical Themes:
- Issues of Relationships: marriage, sex, gender roles, equality
- Issues of Human Rights: dignity, social justice, prejudice, poverty, freedom of expression
Unit 3: Catholic Christianity and Ethical Themes
For Catholic pathway:
- Four key beliefs: the Bible, afterlife, Church, veneration of Mary
- Four practices: liturgical year, worship features, religious life, symbolism
- Ethical themes: relationships and human rights from Catholic perspective only:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Religion and Philosophical Themes
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 126 marks
- 50% of full course (100% of short course)
- Part A: Core beliefs and practices of Christianity/Catholic Christianity and one world religion
- Part B: Two philosophical themes (Life and Death, Good and Evil) with religious and non-religious perspectives
Unit 2: Religion and Ethical Themes
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 126 marks
- 50% of full course
- Part A: Beliefs and practices of Christianity and one world religion
- Part B: Two ethical themes (Relationships, Human Rights) with scripture and worldview comparisons
Unit 3: Catholic Christianity and Ethical Themes
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 126 marks
- 50% of full course (Catholic pathway)
- Assesses Catholic teachings and practices plus ethical themes
Assessment Details
- AO1 (knowledge and understanding): 50%
- AO2 (analysis and evaluation): 50%
- SPaG assessed in (d) questions (5% of marks in each paper)
- Unitised structure: candidates may take and resit units (best mark counts if terminal rule met)
- Untiered qualification
- Grade Scale: A*–G; UMS based grading
Entry Routes
- Options vary by combination of religions
- Short Course: Unit 1 only
- Full Course: Unit 1 + Unit 2 or Unit 3:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC GCSE Religious Studies 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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