Cambridge (CIE) O Level Religious Studies (Bible Knowledge) specification (2048)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level Religious Studies (Bible Knowledge) 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 Cambridge (CIE) O Level Religious Studies (Bible Knowledge) 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 Cambridge (CIE) O Level Religious Studies (Bible Knowledge) (2048) 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 Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Cambridge O Level Religious Studies (Bible Knowledge) syllabus aims to develop candidates' knowledge of the life and teaching of Jesus and the early Christian church. It encourages an enquiring and critical approach to biblical texts, fostering informed responses to ethical, religious, and historical questions. The course supports the development of transferable skills such as critical thinking, interpretation, and argumentation. Open to candidates of any faith or none, it emphasises a thoughtful exploration of Christian origins while enabling students to appreciate diverse viewpoints. The syllabus is structured to serve as a foundation for further study or for direct entry into employment.Subject content breakdown
The Portrayal of the Life and Teaching of Jesus (Matthew’s Gospel)
Background to the Gospel
- Roman occupation, Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, concept of the Messiah
- Authorship of Matthew and purposes for writing the Gospel
- Nature and characteristics of Matthew’s Gospel (e.g. fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy)
Key events in Jesus’s life
- Significant life events and their meanings, historical considerations, significance of places and actions
Miracles
- Types: healing, exorcisms, raising the dead, nature miracles
- Purpose and historical questions about miracles
Parables
- Purpose, interpretation, and revelations about Jesus through parables
People connected to Jesus
- Encounters with various individuals and their significance
Teaching
- Application of Jesus’s teachings historically and in contemporary contexts
Conflict and opposition to Jesus
- Sources and nature of opposition, possibility of avoiding death, Jesus’s attitude
Titles of Jesus
- Meaning and significance of titles such as ‘Son of God’
The Portrayal of the Birth of the Early Church (Acts 1:1–21:15)
Background to Acts
- Authorship and date, connections to Luke’s Gospel
The Holy Spirit
- Events involving the Holy Spirit, its impact, comparison of accounts, significance at Pentecost
Spread of the church
- Through Peter, Philip, and Paul; their roles, successes, and significant events
- Paul’s strategies and relationship with Barnabas
Preaching and speeches
- Content, success, responses, purposes of speeches
Life of the church
- Organisation, tensions (e.g. Council of Jerusalem), development of the Gentile church, supernatural events
Persecution of the church
- Reasons for persecution, responses by the early church#
Assessment structure
Paper 1: The Portrayal of the Life and Teaching of Jesus
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Candidates answer any 4 questions from 6
- Each question in three parts
- 80 marks
- 50% of qualification
Paper 2: The Portrayal of the Birth of the Early Church
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Candidates answer any 4 questions from 6
- Each question in three parts
- 80 marks
- 50% of qualification
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Describe and explain using knowledge and understanding (60%)
- AO2: Use evidence and reasoned argument for personal responses and different viewpoints (40%)
Versions of the Bible
- Any translation permitted; NIV and RSV used in question papers
Examination Availability
- June and November sessions
- Available to private candidates
- May not be combined with Cambridge IGCSE Religious Studies (0490) or similar titles at the same level
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level Religious Studies (Bible Knowledge) 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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