Revision Guide – Philosophy & Ethics
SUBJECT: Philosophy & Ethics: Religious Studies A
EXAM BOARD AND CODE: AQA 8062 MA
NUMBER OF PAPERS: 2
LENGTH OF PAPERS: 105 minutes per paper
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Black pen (and spare)
WEBSITE LINK: https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/rs/specifications/AQA-8062-SP-2016.PDF
Topics to be revised
Paper 1: The study of religions
Christian Beliefs and Teaching
- The nature of God
- Beliefs about creation
- Beliefs about the afterlife
- Beliefs about Jesus and Salvation
Christian Practices
- Different forms of worship
- Prayer
- Sacraments
- Pilgrimage and celebrations
- The role of the Church in the local community
- The place of mission, evangelism and Church growth
- The importance of the worldwide Church
Muslim key beliefs
- Key beliefs of Sunni and Shi’a Muslims
- The nature of Allah
- Angels
- Predestination
Muslim Practices
- Five Pillars of Islam
- Jihad
- Festivals
Paper 2: Thematic Studies
Theme A: Relationship and Families
- Sexuality
- Sex before and outside marriage
- Contraception
- Marriage and divorce
- The nature and purpose of families
- Gender Equality
Theme B: Religion and Life
- The origins of the universe and human life
- The value of the world and the environment
- Animal rights including experimentation and meat eating
- Abortion and euthanasia
- Death and the afterlife
Theme D: Peace and Conflict
- Protest and terrorism
- Reason for war
- Nuclear Weapons
- Just War and Holy War theories
- Pacifism
- Victims of War
Theme E: Crime and Punishment
- Good and evil intentions
- Reasons for crime
- Attitude to lawbreakers and treatment of criminals
- Aims of punishment
- Attitudes to suffering
- Forgiveness
- Death penalty
Revision Tips
Remember that your Philosophy and Ethics exercise book is your best revision resource as it has everything you need to succeed.
Be sure that you know the following for each topic in preparation for the mock;
- Key concepts / specialist terminology
- Religious teaching that can be learnt and referred to (particularly in the 6 and 12 mark questions)
- Differences in the approach taken by religions or the denominations of a religion
Exam Hints
Use the recommended structure for the 12 mark questions: 3 paragraphs; arguments FOR the statement, arguments AGAINST the statement and then your conclusion at the end. Structure these clearly and take your time before answering them. Have a plan in mind before embarking upon your answer.
Download a printable version here
