AQA GCSE Religious Studies A: Christianity and Buddhism

Section 1: Christianity

Beliefs and Teachings

• The nature of God and beliefs about creation
• The afterlife
• Jesus
• in and salvation

Christianity Practices

• Worship and prayer
• The role and meaning of the sacraments
• The role and importance of pilgrimage and celebrations
• The role of the Church
• The importance of the worldwide Church
  

Section 2: Buddhism

Key Beliefs

• The Buddha’s life and its significance
• Dhamma, dependent arising and the Three Marks of Existence
• The human personality and human destiny
• The Four Noble Truths

Buddhism Practices

• Places of worship
• Puja and meditation
• Ceremonies and rituals associated with death
• Festival and retreats
• Buddhist ethics

Section 3: Thematic Studies

A: Relationships and families

• Sex, marriage and divorce
• Families
• Gender equality

B: Religion and life

• The origins and value of the universe
• The origins and value of human life
• Abortion and Euthanasia

C: The existence of God and revelation

• Philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God
• The nature of the divine and revelation
• The value of revelation and enlightenment as sources of knowledge about the divine

D: Religion, peace and conflict

• Religion, violence, terrorism and war
• Reasons for war
• Religion and belief in 21st century conflict

E: Religion, crime and punishment

• Religion, crime and the causes of crime
• Religion and punishment
• The death penalty

F: Religion, human rights and social justice

• Prejudice and discrimination
• Human rights
• Wealth and poverty

Coming soon

This guide covers every topic in the AQA GCSE Religious Studies A: Christianity and Buddhism course. It is in depth, using clear, easy-to-understand language. For instance:

• Key terms boxes highlight the important words and language that you need to understand and help you to use them confidently.
• Revision tips give you quick ways to understand the core concepts and practice remembering them.

Exam Practice

Each chapter has lots of exam-style questions for you to practice. These are designed to build your confidence, consolidate your knowledge and stretch your understanding. As well as this, there are helpful tips throughout:

• Exam tips show you how to interpret questions, what you need to do in your answers, and give you advice on how to get as many marks as possible.

Oxford Revise uses a clear three-step method to get you ready for your exams.

1. Knowledge – learn the facts
   Everything you need to know in each chapter is summarised in an easy-to-follow Knowledge Organiser.
2. Retrieval – check you’ve retained the knowledge
   Quick-fire recall questions and answers make sure you have learned the knowledge you will need for your exams.
3. Practice – complete questions in the style of the final exams
   Gain experience of applying your knowledge and skills with plenty of exam-style questions. In addition, there are lots of hints and tips from revision and subject experts.

Author and Series editor: Dawn Cox

Dawn Cox

Series Editor for Oxford Revise, Dawn is an experienced teacher and leader at secondary level. With extensive experience in senior leadership teams, as an AST, Lead Practitioner, SLE and the Head of Religious Education.

She has a Master’s in Innovation and Leadership in Education and is a Chartered College of Teaching, Chartered teacher.