Pearson EdexcelA-Level885 resources

Pearson Edexcel A-Level Religious Studies Past Papers & Mark Schemes

Download free Pearson Edexcel A-Level Religious Studies past papers, mark schemes & examiner reports. Philosophy, ethics, and world religions. 836 resources.

Download Past Papers

Type
Year

885 of 885 resources — page 1 of 36

June 2015

11 files

A-Level Religious Studies – Mark scheme – Unit 1 (6RS01) – June 2015

Mark Scheme

A-Level Religious Studies – Mark scheme – Unit 2 (6RS02) – June 2015

Mark Scheme

A-Level Religious Studies – Mark scheme – Unit 4 (6RS04) – June 2015

Mark Scheme

A-Level Religious Studies – Mark scheme – Unit 4 (6RS04) – June 2015

Mark Scheme

A-Level Religious Studies – Mark scheme – Unit 4 (6RS04) – June 2015

Mark Scheme
📊

A-Level Religious Studies – Examiner report – Unit 2 (6RS02) – June 2015

Examiner Report
📄

A-Level Religious Studies – Question paper – Unit 2D (6RS02) – June 2015

Question Paper
📄

A-Level Religious Studies – Question paper – Unit 4F (6RS04) – June 2015

Question Paper
📊

A-Level Religious Studies – Examiner report – Unit 2 (6RS02) – June 2015

Examiner Report
📄

A-Level Religious Studies – Question paper – Unit 3 (6RS03) – June 2015

Question Paper
📊

A-Level Religious Studies – Examiner report – Unit 4 (6RS04) – June 2015

Examiner Report

June 2014

14 files

A-Level Religious Studies – Mark scheme – Unit 2 (6RS02) – Paper 1F – June 2014

Mark Scheme
📄

A-Level Religious Studies – Question paper – Unit 2 (6RS02) – Paper 1D – June 2014

Question Paper
📊

A-Level Religious Studies – Examiner report – Unit 2 (6RS02) Paper 1D – June 2014

Examiner Report
📊

A-Level Religious Studies – Examiner report – Unit 2 (6RS02) – Paper 1G – June 2014

Examiner Report
📄

A-Level Religious Studies – Question paper – Unit 4 (6RS04) – Paper 1C – June 2014

Question Paper
📊

A-Level Religious Studies – Examiner report – Unit 2 (6RS02) – Paper 1B – June 2014

Examiner Report
📊

A-Level Religious Studies – Examiner report – Unit 4 (6RS04) – Paper 1H – June 2014

Examiner Report
📊

A-Level Religious Studies – Examiner report – Unit 4 (6RS04) – Paper 1J- June 2014

Examiner Report

A-Level Religious Studies – Mark scheme – Unit 4 (6RS04) – Paper 1G – June 2014

Mark Scheme

A-Level Religious Studies – Mark scheme – Unit 4 (6RS04) – Paper 1D – June 2014

Mark Scheme
📄

A-Level Religious Studies – Question paper – Unit 4 (6RS04) – Paper 1B – June 2014

Question Paper
📊

A-Level Religious Studies – Examiner report – Unit 4 (6RS04) – Paper 1G – June 2014

Examiner Report
📄

A-Level Religious Studies – Question paper – Unit 4 (6RS04) – Paper 1H – June 2014

Question Paper

A-Level Religious Studies – Mark scheme – Unit 2 (6RS02) – Paper 1G – June 2014

Mark Scheme

Philosophy of Religion, Ethics, and the Study of Two World Religions

With 836 resources, this is one of the largest single-subject archives on the platform. Pearson Edexcel A-Level Religious Studies (specification 9RS0) combines the philosophy of religion, ethics, and the detailed study of two world religions into a challenging academic qualification that demands philosophical rigour, critical thinking, and comprehensive textual knowledge. The specification covers three areas. The Philosophy of Religion component examines classical arguments for the existence of God (ontological, cosmological, teleological), the problem of evil, religious experience, religious language, the relationship between religion and science, and challenges to religious belief from thinkers such as Hume, Kant, Freud, and Dawkins. The Religion and Ethics component covers ethical theories (utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, natural law, situation ethics, virtue ethics), applied ethics (euthanasia, business ethics, sexual ethics), and meta-ethics (the meaning and status of moral statements — cognitivism vs non-cognitivism, moral realism vs anti-realism). The Study of Religion component requires detailed knowledge of two world religions — their sacred texts, beliefs, practices, sources of authority, and engagement with contemporary society. Options typically include Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and Sikhism. The volume of papers reflects the multiple option combinations available — each religion and each philosophical/ethical topic generates separate question papers, producing a uniquely large archive.

Exam Paper Structure

Paper 1No calculator

Philosophy of Religion

2 hours🎯 80 marks📊 33% of grade
Arguments for God's existenceProblem of evilReligious experienceReligious languageReligion and science
Paper 2No calculator

Religion and Ethics

2 hours🎯 80 marks📊 33% of grade
Ethical theories (utilitarianism, Kant, natural law, virtue ethics)Applied ethicsMeta-ethics
Paper 3No calculator

Study of Religion

2 hours🎯 80 marks📊 33% of grade
Sacred texts and beliefsReligious practices and authorityReligion and contemporary society

Key Information

Exam BoardPearson Edexcel
Specification Code9RS0
QualificationA-Level
Grading ScaleA*–E
Assessment Type3 written papers
Paper 12 hr — Philosophy of Religion (33%)
Paper 22 hr — Religion and Ethics (33%)
Paper 32 hr — Study of Religion (33%)
Available SessionsJune 2017 – June 2024 (plus extensive legacy papers)
Total Resources836

Key Topics in Religious Studies

Topics you need to know

Arguments for and against God's existenceThe problem of evil and sufferingReligious experience and its interpretationEthical theories and their applicationMeta-ethics (moral realism, non-cognitivism)Applied ethics (medical, sexual, business)Sacred texts, authority, and interpretationReligion in contemporary society

Exam Command Words

Command wordWhat the examiner expects
ExamineInvestigate a religious or philosophical concept in depth, considering different perspectives and interpretations
Critically assessWeigh up the strengths and weaknesses of an argument, theory, or interpretation, reaching a substantiated conclusion
EvaluateJudge the validity of a philosophical argument or ethical position, considering counter-arguments
AnalyseBreak down a complex religious, ethical, or philosophical issue into its component elements
ClarifyMake clear the meaning and implications of a religious or philosophical concept
To what extentConsider how far an argument succeeds, presenting evidence for and against before reaching a balanced judgement

Typical Grade Boundaries

GradeApproximate mark needed
A*72–84%
A62–71%
B52–61%
C42–51%
D32–41%
E22–31%

⚠️ Typical boundaries. Actual boundaries vary by series — check Pearson's website.

Philosophical Argument, Ethical Reasoning, and Textual Authority: How to Write Top-Level RS Essays

Religious Studies at A-Level is essentially a philosophy course, and the best responses demonstrate genuine philosophical reasoning — not just knowledge recall. For Philosophy of Religion, learn to construct and critique arguments formally. When discussing the cosmological argument, don't just describe Aquinas's Five Ways — explain the logical structure, identify the premises, consider counter-arguments (Hume's objections, the problem of infinite regress), and evaluate whether the argument succeeds. For Ethics, know the key ethical theories inside out and be able to apply them to unfamiliar scenarios. The strongest responses don't just describe utilitarianism and then describe Kantian ethics — they engage the theories in dialogue, showing how they reach different conclusions on the same issue and evaluating which approach is more defensible. For the Study of Religion, precise textual references earn marks. Don't write 'the Bible says...' — cite specific books, chapters, and verses ('Paul's Letter to the Romans 13:1-7 argues for submission to governing authorities'). Similarly, reference specific scholars, theologians, or religious thinkers by name when presenting interpretations of religious teachings. Extended essay questions use levels-based marking. A Level 5 response (the highest) requires 'comprehensive' knowledge, 'sustained and systematic' analysis, and 'perceptive' evaluation with a 'fully justified' conclusion. To reach this level, your essay must present a clear thesis, develop it through multiple paragraphs of analysis, consider and respond to counter-arguments, and reach a conclusion that synthesises the discussion rather than simply repeating your introduction.

More Pearson Edexcel A-Level Subjects

Explore other A-Level subjects from Pearson Edexcel

Related Past Papers

AI-Powered Revision

Meet your AI Tutor

Get clear explanations, worked examples, and step-by-step guidance on any A-Level Religious Studies topic. Your personal AI tutor, free to try.

✓ No credit card required✓ Covers all Pearson Edexcel topics✓ Instant answers