GCSE EXAMINATION BOARDS
AQA
GCSE
At AQA three courses are provided.
Course A is a religious studies course, which may be offered as a Short or Long Course, based on the Christian religion and Christian scriptures. There are a fair number of options and combinations. One or two pieces of coursework must be presented.
Course B provides an opportunity for thematic studies of religion and religious responses to moral issues. The specification offers four approaches through four separate modules. This option may be offered as either a Short or a Long Course.
Course C is a study of religions course. Again coursework may be submitted and the course offered as either a Short Course or Long Course.
Edexcel
GCSE
At Edexcel two courses are provided.
Course A The Short Course 3481 is about religion and life. There are topics such as abortion and euthanasia, gender and religion, world poverty and beliefs about life after death. The Full Course covers the same topics but there is an additional paper on religion and society, Mark's Gospel or beliefs and values of religion.
Course B is a Full Course. Students have the opportunity to study Christianity or Christianity and one other religion. In these papers the emphasis is on faith and practice in the chosen religions. There is also a coursework option.
OCR
GCSE
At OCR three courses are provided
Course A 1930 and 1030. This is a study of religions course with a wide range of options. Possible papers include Christian scriptures, Christian perspectives, Buddhism, Christianity, (including Roman Catholic options), Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Religion and the Media. Candidates may offer coursework. Please read the board's full specifications carefully on these options.
Course B 1931 and 1031. In these courses the emphasis is on philosophy and ethics. The content is wide ranging from topics such as "The Nature of God" and "Religion Peace and Justice" to "Death and the Afterlife". Candidates may offer coursework.
Course C 1932 Here a candidate will be able to study Judaism at some depth and the religion is viewed in the context of its broader traditions. Final assessment is by two examinations and there is no coursework option.
WJEC
GCSE
At the Welsh Board two courses are provided either in English or Welsh.
Course A is a world religions course. Christianity is well represented. Judaism, Islam or Hinduism may also be offered. The course may be offered as either a Long or Short Course and there is a coursework element.
Course B Here the content is in two prescribed options. Religion and Life Issues and Religion and Human Experience. For the Short Course award, candidates may enter for either option. For the Full Course award candidates must enter for both options.
NICCEA
GCSE
At NICCEA two courses are provided
Long Course The subject content is divided into three sections - the challenge of Jesus - The Christian Church explored through contrasting denominations - Christian morality. In addition to this there is a coursework element. Candidates sit two papers.
Short Course The subject content is the same, but candidates sit only one paper and there is no coursework element.