Pearson EdexcelGCSE253 resources

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A Past Papers & Mark Schemes

Download free Pearson Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A (1RA0) past papers & mark schemes. Religion, beliefs & practices with multiple paper options. 253 resources.

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June 2023

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Examiner report – Paper 1C – June 2023

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Examiner report – Paper 2A – June 2023

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November 2021

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Examiner report – Paper 1A – November 2021

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Examiner report – Paper 2F – November 2021

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Examiner report – Paper 3A – November 2021

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Mark scheme – Paper 3A – November 2021

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Mark scheme – Paper 1A – November 2021

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Mark scheme – Paper 2F – November 2021

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Question paper – Paper 2F – November 2021

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Question paper – Paper 1A – November 2021

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Question paper – Paper 3A – November 2021

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November 2020

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Examiner report – Paper 3A – November 2020

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Examiner report – Paper 4A – November 2020

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Examiner report – Paper 3B – November 2020

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Examiner report – Paper 2F – November 2020

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Examiner report – Paper 1C – November 2020

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Examiner report – Paper 1B – November 2020

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Examiner report – Short Course Paper 4 – November 2020

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Examiner report – Paper 1A – November 2020

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Examiner report – Paper 4B – November 2020

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Examiner report – Short Course Paper 1 – November 2020

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Examiner report – Paper 3C – November 2020

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Examiner report – Paper 2G – November 2020

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Examiner report – Paper 2C – November 2020

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GCSE Religious Studies A – Examiner report – Paper 2B – November 2020

Examiner Report

Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A (1RA0): Religion in Depth Alongside Ethical and Philosophical Themes

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A (specification code 1RA0) takes a beliefs-and-practices approach, assessing students' understanding of two religions in depth alongside a thematic study of religious, philosophical, and ethical issues. With 253 resources and a wide range of paper options, this archive provides comprehensive coverage for exam preparation. Paper 1 assesses one of the major world religions in depth, with three option papers available: Paper 1A (Christianity), Paper 1B (Islam), and Paper 1C (Judaism). Each 1 hour 45 minute paper (120 marks) covers the religion's core beliefs, practices, and how these are lived out in the contemporary world. Paper 2 assesses a second religion, with seven option papers (2A–2G) covering Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, and a world religions overview. This flexibility allows schools to study almost any combination of two world religions from the specification. Paper 3 assesses a religion-and-ethics thematic study, with three options (3A–3C) covering topics including religious attitudes to relationships and families, religion and life (medical ethics, environment), and the existence of God and religious experience. Paper 4 covers two further thematic studies, with papers 4A and 4B offering options on religion, peace and conflict alongside religion, crime and punishment, or religion and human rights, and religion and equality. A Short Course option (Papers 1–4 Short Course) is also available for students taking GCSE Religious Studies as a short course qualification, covering one religion and one thematic study rather than the full two-religion and two-theme combination.

Exam Paper Structure

Paper 1

Area of Study 1 — Religion and Ethics

1 hour 45 minutes🎯 61 marks📊 25% of grade
Core religious beliefs and sources of authorityPractices and ritualsReligious ethics and moral issues
Paper 2

Area of Study 2 — Religion, Peace and Conflict

1 hour 45 minutes🎯 61 marks📊 25% of grade
War and just war theoryPeacemaking and reconciliationNuclear warfare and terrorism
Paper 3

Area of Study 3 — Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice

1 hour 45 minutes🎯 61 marks📊 25% of grade
Arguments for and against God's existenceLife after deathHuman rights and social equality
Paper 4

Thematic Studies

1 hour 30 minutes🎯 68 marks📊 25% of grade
Relationships and familiesThe existence of God and revelationDialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs

Key Information

Exam BoardPearson Edexcel
Specification Code1RA0
QualificationGCSE
Grading Scale9-1
Assessment Type4 papers (religion in depth × 2, thematic studies × 2)
TiersSingle tier
Paper OptionsPapers 1A/1B/1C, Papers 2A-2G, Papers 3A-3C, Papers 4A/4B
Exam Duration1 hr 45 min per paper
Short CourseAvailable (Papers 1-4 Short Course)
Total Resources253

Key Topics in Religious Studies A

Topics you need to know

Core religious beliefs and sources of authorityReligious ethics — war, peace and justiceArguments for and against God's existenceLife after death and ultimate questionsHuman rights and social justiceDialogue between religion and science

Exam Command Words

Command wordWhat the examiner expects
GiveState a fact, belief or reason without further development
DescribeGive the main features of a belief, practice or teaching
ExplainGive reasons or develop a point, using religious knowledge and examples
EvaluateWeigh up different views on a statement, reaching a justified conclusion
DiscussConsider different perspectives on a religious or ethical issue with supported argument
JustifyGive reasons to support a viewpoint or conclusion

Typical Grade Boundaries

GradeApproximate mark needed
Grade 972–84%
Grade 862–71%
Grade 752–61%
Grade 643–51%
Grade 535–42%
Grade 427–34%
Grade 319–26%
Grade 211–18%
Grade 1~4–10%

⚠️ Typical boundaries across four papers (251 total marks). Actual boundaries vary by series — check Pearson's website.

Multi-Perspective Evaluation and Specific Theological Evidence in RS A

Religious Studies A papers follow a consistent question structure: short knowledge questions (1–2 marks), 'Describe' or 'Explain' questions (4–5 marks), and extended evaluative questions (12 marks) requiring a discursive response. Practise all three question types systematically across past papers — do not focus only on the longer evaluation questions. For 12-mark evaluation questions ('Evaluate this statement'), structure your response in four parts: argue for the statement using religious evidence, argue against the statement using different religious evidence or a contrasting perspective, consider a non-religious viewpoint, and reach a clear conclusion that is justified by your arguments. The Edexcel mark scheme explicitly rewards developed arguments and a reasoned conclusion. Learn specific beliefs, teachings, and practices for both religions you've studied. Vague responses ('Christians believe in being good') earn far fewer marks than responses with specific reference to scripture, religious teachings, or named practices ('Christians are called to 'love thy neighbour' (Mark 12:31) and express this through charitable work and reconciliation'). For thematic ethics papers, practise applying religious teachings to specific ethical scenarios. The strongest responses show how a religious believer would reason through an issue — not just what their conclusion would be, but why that conclusion follows from their core beliefs. Use the multiple option papers (e.g., all Paper 1 options: 1A, 1B, 1C) to see how the same question format appears across different religions — this helps you understand what the examiner is looking for regardless of which religion you studied.

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