There are ten units on the GCSE. This page provides a very basic overview of each one. They are arranged into year 9 units and year 10 units as we cover them.
YEAR 9 UNITS
We cover units 1, 2, 7 and 8 in the first year. Each
one takes approximately half a term.
Unit 1: The Nature of God
Or: what God is like.
Overall
This Topic is concerned with the fundamental question of belief in a Divine Being. Candidates should be aware of the differing ways in which the religions studied understand this concept. Candidates should also be aware of the ways in which symbols are used by religions to describe God and aid worship.
The nature of God
Reasons people give f or belief in God
The authority of sacred texts for believers
Ways in which, according to believers, God can be known –
revelation through scripture and through God’s intervention in the world
Specifics
Christian beliefs about the nature of God;
Reasons Christians give in support of their belief in God;
The authority of the Bible for Christians;
Belief in God intervening in the world through miracles and in the person of Christ.
Here are the extra notes from Mr D to download:
The basics about worldviews will help on this one. There is an online video for this unit on this page.
a. Explain what Christians might say if they were asked why they believe in God. (8 marks)
b. Explain how Christians might use the Bible in their daily lives. (7 marks)
c. ‘When scientists can explain more about the world, people will not need to believe in miracles.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer, and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (5 marks)
OR
a. Describe what Christians believe about the nature of God. (8 marks)
b. Explain how a Christian might show respect for the Bible in his or her daily life. (7 marks)
c. ‘There is no evidence that God exists.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer, and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (5 marks)
Overall
This Topic is concerned with the fundamental question of belief in a Divine Being. Candidates should be aware of the differing ways in which the religions studied understand this concept. Candidates should also be aware of the ways in which symbols are used by religions to describe God and aid worship.
The nature of God
Reasons people give f or belief in God
The authority of sacred texts for believers
Ways in which, according to believers, God can be known –
revelation through scripture and through God’s intervention in the world
Specifics
Christian beliefs about the nature of God;
Reasons Christians give in support of their belief in God;
The authority of the Bible for Christians;
Belief in God intervening in the world through miracles and in the person of Christ.
Here are the extra notes from Mr D to download:
The basics about worldviews will help on this one. There is an online video for this unit on this page.
a. Explain what Christians might say if they were asked why they believe in God. (8 marks)
b. Explain how Christians might use the Bible in their daily lives. (7 marks)
c. ‘When scientists can explain more about the world, people will not need to believe in miracles.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer, and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (5 marks)
OR
a. Describe what Christians believe about the nature of God. (8 marks)
b. Explain how a Christian might show respect for the Bible in his or her daily life. (7 marks)
c. ‘There is no evidence that God exists.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer, and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (5 marks)
Unit 2: The Nature of Belief
Or: what it looks like when someone believes
something.
Overall
This Topic is concerned with the ways in which religious believers try to respond to God and to develop spiritually.
Private and public worship
Prayer, meditation and contemplation
The use of food and fasting as a response to God
Beliefs about the use of art, architecture and music to aid worship
The use of symbol to express belief in God
Specifics
Worship in the church and at home;
Prayer and contemplation;
The use of food and fasting by some Christians as a response to God;
The architecture of the church; the use of music and art in Christian worship;
The ways in which symbols are used in Christianity to express belief.
Several of the podcasts deal with this directly. Here is the video in full (you will need the usual password):
Nature of God/Nature of Belief Interview from whatisyourworldview.com on Vimeo.
Here are the accompanying notes:
Here are the extra notes from Mr D to download:
Overall
This Topic is concerned with the ways in which religious believers try to respond to God and to develop spiritually.
Private and public worship
Prayer, meditation and contemplation
The use of food and fasting as a response to God
Beliefs about the use of art, architecture and music to aid worship
The use of symbol to express belief in God
Specifics
Worship in the church and at home;
Prayer and contemplation;
The use of food and fasting by some Christians as a response to God;
The architecture of the church; the use of music and art in Christian worship;
The ways in which symbols are used in Christianity to express belief.
Several of the podcasts deal with this directly. Here is the video in full (you will need the usual password):
Nature of God/Nature of Belief Interview from whatisyourworldview.com on Vimeo.
Here are the accompanying notes:
Here are the extra notes from Mr D to download:
Unit 6: Religion in Human Relationships
Or: views on sex, marriage, family and divorce.
Overall
This Topic is concerned with religious responses to ethical questions raised by human relationships.
Understandings of the roles of men and women within a family
Issues related to marriage and divorce
Marriage ceremonies and the ways in which they reflect belief and provide guidance
Issues related to sexual relationships and to contraception
Specifics
The roles of men and women within a Christian family;
Christian marriage ceremonies, and the ways in which these
reflect and emphasise Christian teaching about marriage;
Christian beliefs about the ethics of divorce;
Christian beliefs about sexual relationships and contraception.
Also, there is a more specific web page that was put together some time ago here (this may not give you everything you want but it can help a little).
Overall
This Topic is concerned with religious responses to ethical questions raised by human relationships.
Understandings of the roles of men and women within a family
Issues related to marriage and divorce
Marriage ceremonies and the ways in which they reflect belief and provide guidance
Issues related to sexual relationships and to contraception
Specifics
The roles of men and women within a Christian family;
Christian marriage ceremonies, and the ways in which these
reflect and emphasise Christian teaching about marriage;
Christian beliefs about the ethics of divorce;
Christian beliefs about sexual relationships and contraception.
Also, there is a more specific web page that was put together some time ago here (this may not give you everything you want but it can help a little).
Unit 7: Religion and Medical Ethics
Or: right and wrong in health care issues.
Be warned: most people have some experience of this unit and it can be quite distressing to reflect on it. If you have any concerns then it is important that you speak to the teacher. Great care is taken to deal with it sensitively, and most students find it helpful to discuss these issues in a safe context.
Overall
This Topic is concerned with religious responses to ethical questions raised by medical issues.
Attitudes towards abortion and fertility treatment
Attitudes towards euthanasia and suicide
Issues of the use of animals in medical research
Specifics
Different Christian attitudes towards abortion;
Christian responses to issues raised by fertility treatment;
Christian attitudes towards euthanasia and suicide;
Christian beliefs about the use of animals in medical research.
Don't forget the abortion, euthanasia and the fertility pages which might be useful. Sanctity and quality of life are related to this topic, and the obscure death quiz is always there for you...
NEW (May 09)!
Extra help for preparing for this unit is found in this document.
Just go through the questions and it will help you be targeted in your revision. Contact me if you get stuck!
Be warned: most people have some experience of this unit and it can be quite distressing to reflect on it. If you have any concerns then it is important that you speak to the teacher. Great care is taken to deal with it sensitively, and most students find it helpful to discuss these issues in a safe context.
Overall
This Topic is concerned with religious responses to ethical questions raised by medical issues.
Attitudes towards abortion and fertility treatment
Attitudes towards euthanasia and suicide
Issues of the use of animals in medical research
Specifics
Different Christian attitudes towards abortion;
Christian responses to issues raised by fertility treatment;
Christian attitudes towards euthanasia and suicide;
Christian beliefs about the use of animals in medical research.
Don't forget the abortion, euthanasia and the fertility pages which might be useful. Sanctity and quality of life are related to this topic, and the obscure death quiz is always there for you...
NEW (May 09)!
Extra help for preparing for this unit is found in this document.
Just go through the questions and it will help you be targeted in your revision. Contact me if you get stuck!
Unit 8: Religion and Equality
Overall
This Topic is concerned with religious responses to moral issues related to equality.
Different views and teachings about prejudice and equality in relation to race and gender
Attitudes towards other religions
Forgiveness and reconciliation
Specifics
Biblical teaching about equality;
Christian attitudes towards racism;
The role of women in Christian society;
Christian attitudes towards other religions: missionary work, evangelism, ecumenism,
Christian beliefs about the status of non-Christian religions;
Christian beliefs about forgiveness and reconciliation.
Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu views. The podcasts have a few helpful moments.
There is now (May08) a whole page devoted to this. I have produced some really good interview materials for this, but they are not available on the web due to the request of the interviewee. Please ask me at school if you are interested.
This Topic is concerned with religious responses to moral issues related to equality.
Different views and teachings about prejudice and equality in relation to race and gender
Attitudes towards other religions
Forgiveness and reconciliation
Specifics
Biblical teaching about equality;
Christian attitudes towards racism;
The role of women in Christian society;
Christian attitudes towards other religions: missionary work, evangelism, ecumenism,
Christian beliefs about the status of non-Christian religions;
Christian beliefs about forgiveness and reconciliation.
Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu views. The podcasts have a few helpful moments.
There is now (May08) a whole page devoted to this. I have produced some really good interview materials for this, but they are not available on the web due to the request of the interviewee. Please ask me at school if you are interested.
YEAR 10 UNITS
We cover units 4, 5 and 9 in the first term and a
half. The rest of the time is devoted to catch-up and
sharpening those lovely exam skills. No snoring at
the back.
Unit 5: Good and Evil
Or: suffering, evil and morality.
Overall
This Topic is concerned with the ways in which religions understand the nature and origins of good and evil, and the ways in which religious believers cope with problems of suffering.
An understanding of ideas about supernatural forces of good and evil
Religious approaches to the question of why there is evil and suffering in the world
Understandings of ways of coping with suffering
Religious approaches to the purpose of moral behaviour
Specifics
Different beliefs about God and the Devil or Satan;
Christian responses to the problem of evil: the suffering of Christ;
Coping with suffering through acceptance and prayer;
Discovering the right way to behave through the Bible, the example of Christ,
the conscience;
The reasons why Christians try to follow a moral code.
There are four bits that I taught in class:
1. Evil - examples and responses.
2. Why evil and suffering cause problems for believers.
3. Where does evil come from?
4. Where does right and wrong come from and why bother?
There is a morality and suffering and evil page that might help.
a. Explain Christian beliefs about why there is evil in the world. (8 marks)
b. How might Christians cope with suffering in their daily lives? (7 marks)
c. ‘Being happy is more important than being good.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer, and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (5 marks)
OR
a. Describe Christian beliefs about why there is evil in the world. (8 marks)
b. Explain how a Christian might find out the right way to behave. (7 marks)
c. ‘People should try to be happy: there is no point in trying to be good.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer, and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.(5 marks)
Overall
This Topic is concerned with the ways in which religions understand the nature and origins of good and evil, and the ways in which religious believers cope with problems of suffering.
An understanding of ideas about supernatural forces of good and evil
Religious approaches to the question of why there is evil and suffering in the world
Understandings of ways of coping with suffering
Religious approaches to the purpose of moral behaviour
Specifics
Different beliefs about God and the Devil or Satan;
Christian responses to the problem of evil: the suffering of Christ;
Coping with suffering through acceptance and prayer;
Discovering the right way to behave through the Bible, the example of Christ,
the conscience;
The reasons why Christians try to follow a moral code.
There are four bits that I taught in class:
1. Evil - examples and responses.
2. Why evil and suffering cause problems for believers.
3. Where does evil come from?
4. Where does right and wrong come from and why bother?
There is a morality and suffering and evil page that might help.
a. Explain Christian beliefs about why there is evil in the world. (8 marks)
b. How might Christians cope with suffering in their daily lives? (7 marks)
c. ‘Being happy is more important than being good.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer, and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (5 marks)
OR
a. Describe Christian beliefs about why there is evil in the world. (8 marks)
b. Explain how a Christian might find out the right way to behave. (7 marks)
c. ‘People should try to be happy: there is no point in trying to be good.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer, and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.(5 marks)
Unit 4: Death and the Afterlife
Or: what happens when you die?
Be warned: most people have some experience of this unit and it can be quite distressing to reflect on it. If you have any concerns then it is important that you speak to the teacher. Great care is taken to deal with it sensitively, and most students find it helpful to discuss these issues in a safe context.
Overall
This Topic is concerned with religious concepts of life after death.
Understandings of the distinction between ‘body’ and ‘soul’
Understandings about the afterlife
The concept of reward and punishment
The ways in which funeral rites reflect belief about life after death
Specifics
The ways in which Christians understand the distinction between ‘body’ and ‘soul’;
Understandings of heaven, hell and purgatory;
The concept of God as judge, the relation between moral behaviour and the afterlife;
Christian funeral rites, and the ways in which these reflect belief and aim to support the bereaved.
See the worldview basics for some low-level assistance, there is an obscure death quiz based on a previous exam course and the podcasts have a number of specific moments that will really help.
We may be laughing in the picture, but it is a heavy topic, so be careful...
This is the audio from a Skype video interview I conducted recently with a Christian minister from Birmingham. (Thanks John!)
UPDATE (24thNov08): here is the full version - you need the usual password, but hopefully it will give a better sense of the event.
Untitled from whatisyourworldview.com on Vimeo.
Here are my personal board notes on the interview! Click on them to see a full size version.
Here is the Arka Funerals Interview which provides an interesting/contrasting extra dimension for your discussions:
Arka Eco-Funerals Interview from whatisyourworldview.com on Vimeo.
Here are the extra notes from Mr D to download:
...and an independent learning sheet.
Be warned: most people have some experience of this unit and it can be quite distressing to reflect on it. If you have any concerns then it is important that you speak to the teacher. Great care is taken to deal with it sensitively, and most students find it helpful to discuss these issues in a safe context.
Overall
This Topic is concerned with religious concepts of life after death.
Understandings of the distinction between ‘body’ and ‘soul’
Understandings about the afterlife
The concept of reward and punishment
The ways in which funeral rites reflect belief about life after death
Specifics
The ways in which Christians understand the distinction between ‘body’ and ‘soul’;
Understandings of heaven, hell and purgatory;
The concept of God as judge, the relation between moral behaviour and the afterlife;
Christian funeral rites, and the ways in which these reflect belief and aim to support the bereaved.
See the worldview basics for some low-level assistance, there is an obscure death quiz based on a previous exam course and the podcasts have a number of specific moments that will really help.
We may be laughing in the picture, but it is a heavy topic, so be careful...
This is the audio from a Skype video interview I conducted recently with a Christian minister from Birmingham. (Thanks John!)
UPDATE (24thNov08): here is the full version - you need the usual password, but hopefully it will give a better sense of the event.
Untitled from whatisyourworldview.com on Vimeo.
Here are my personal board notes on the interview! Click on them to see a full size version.
Here is the Arka Funerals Interview which provides an interesting/contrasting extra dimension for your discussions:
Arka Eco-Funerals Interview from whatisyourworldview.com on Vimeo.
Here are the extra notes from Mr D to download:
...and an independent learning sheet.
Unit 9: Religion, Poverty and Wealth
Overall
This Topic is concerned with religious responses to moral issues related to poverty and the use of money.
The causes of hunger, poverty and disease
Attitudes towards the poor and needy, giving to charity
Teachings about the use of money (e.g. gambling, lending)
Moral and immoral occupations
Specifics
The causes of hunger, poverty and disease;
Christian teaching about concern for the poor and about the right uses of money;
Giving to charity in Christianity;
Christian teaching about moral and immoral occupations.
This Topic is concerned with religious responses to moral issues related to poverty and the use of money.
The causes of hunger, poverty and disease
Attitudes towards the poor and needy, giving to charity
Teachings about the use of money (e.g. gambling, lending)
Moral and immoral occupations
Specifics
The causes of hunger, poverty and disease;
Christian teaching about concern for the poor and about the right uses of money;
Giving to charity in Christianity;
Christian teaching about moral and immoral occupations.
UNTAUGHT UNITS
Unfortunately the ones below don't get a look in at
the moment. Due to just starting the job at Sion
(9/2007) I am keen on sticking with how the legendary
Mr D did it until I am comfortable with shifting
stuff around. If important things don't get taught in
the GCSE era we will cover them in Year 11.
Unit 3: Religion and Science
Overall
This Topic is concerned with religious views about the origins of the world and of humanity, and the extent to which these views can be compatible with scientific theories. It also addresses
religious understandings of the relationship between humanity and the rest of the planet.
Religious ideas about the origins of the world and of humanity
Scientific ideas about the origins of the world and of humanity
Religious ideas about the purpose of humanity
The relationship between people and the rest of the planet – environmental issues
Specifics
Christian ideas about the origins of the world and of humanity;
Scientific ideas about the origins of the world and of humanity: very basic understandings
of the Big Bang theory, and of Darwinian evolutionary theory;
Christian views about what sets people apart from animals;
Christian ideas about stewardship; Christian responses to environmental issues.
The basics about worldviews will help on this, and the podcasts have a few useful moments.
This Topic is concerned with religious views about the origins of the world and of humanity, and the extent to which these views can be compatible with scientific theories. It also addresses
religious understandings of the relationship between humanity and the rest of the planet.
Religious ideas about the origins of the world and of humanity
Scientific ideas about the origins of the world and of humanity
Religious ideas about the purpose of humanity
The relationship between people and the rest of the planet – environmental issues
Specifics
Christian ideas about the origins of the world and of humanity;
Scientific ideas about the origins of the world and of humanity: very basic understandings
of the Big Bang theory, and of Darwinian evolutionary theory;
Christian views about what sets people apart from animals;
Christian ideas about stewardship; Christian responses to environmental issues.
The basics about worldviews will help on this, and the podcasts have a few useful moments.
Unit 10: Religion, Peace and Justice
Overall
This Topic is concerned with religious responses to moral issues of war, peace, violence and justice.
Attitudes towards war
Attitudes towards violence and pacifism
Issues of crime and punishment, government and justice
Specifics
Christian attitudes towards war: the Just War;
Christian attitudes towards the use of violence and towards pacifism;
Christian beliefs about the treatment of criminals;
Christian responses to social injustice.
This Topic is concerned with religious responses to moral issues of war, peace, violence and justice.
Attitudes towards war
Attitudes towards violence and pacifism
Issues of crime and punishment, government and justice
Specifics
Christian attitudes towards war: the Just War;
Christian attitudes towards the use of violence and towards pacifism;
Christian beliefs about the treatment of criminals;
Christian responses to social injustice.
REVISION NOTES?
A notes version for all the units can be found inside
each of the sections above.
Here is the 'BIG CHECKLIST' - a downloadable document for you to look at and tick off everything you think has been covered in each of the units. It is a useful way of asking yourself 'Mmmm has my teacher really been earning their mortgage/skateboarding/gadget-getting/charity-donating money?'
And this is the A3 blank revision sheet you can use for summary notes.
Here is the 'BIG CHECKLIST' - a downloadable document for you to look at and tick off everything you think has been covered in each of the units. It is a useful way of asking yourself 'Mmmm has my teacher really been earning their mortgage/skateboarding/gadget-getting/charity-donating money?'
And this is the A3 blank revision sheet you can use for summary notes.
PAPER A: check yourself
If these aren't
immediately
easy to you
then you need to do some work before the
exam.
Unit 1: Nature of God
1. List 6 characteristics of God.
2. What does the term 'Trinity' mean?
3. What reasons do christians give for believing in God?
4. Give two opposite arguments.
5. What does the word 'revelation' mean?
6. How important is the Bible for Christians and why?
7. List three things from the Bible that affect the way christians live.
8. How do christians believe that God has intervened in the world?
9. List three miracles of Jesus.
10. List three experiences of God that a Christian might have.
Unit 2: The Nature of Belief.
1. What ways do christians worship?
2. How does prayer work for a christian?
3. Is fasting compulsory for christians? Why bother?
4. How do christians use food to help them worship?
5. What does the term 'nature of belief' actually mean?
6. How does a building help a christian to worship?
7. Does music or art help? How?
8. Why is a symbol a good and bad thing for worship/belief?
9. What is contemplation?
10. Why is this the least popular unit of the lot?
Unit 4: Death and the Afterlife
1. What do christians think happens to you when you die?
2. What is a soul?
3. What is Heaven like?
4. What is Hell like?
5. Which aspects of God's character make him a judge?
6. Is it as simple as do good: go to Heaven/do bad: go to Hell?
7. List 8 things that might happen at a christian funeral.
8. How does the idea of a harvest help people at a christian funeral?
9. List 3 benefits of having a funeral in general.
10. List the three main ideas about what happens when you die.
Unit 5: Good and Evil.
1. What does the Bible say about the devil's relationship to God?
2. Give four responses that a christian might make to suffering.
3. What questions might someone have if they faced suffering?
4. How does prayer work when you are suffering?
5. Give two specific examples from the Bible of people who face suffering - both have the letter J in their names.
6. Why should a christian bother being good?
7. Give three examples of how a christian should act 'goood'.
8. Why would a christian have a problem with train-bunking?
9. How does the Holy Spirit relate to any of this?
10. What does any of this have to do with Jesus? Be specific.
Unit 1: Nature of God
1. List 6 characteristics of God.
2. What does the term 'Trinity' mean?
3. What reasons do christians give for believing in God?
4. Give two opposite arguments.
5. What does the word 'revelation' mean?
6. How important is the Bible for Christians and why?
7. List three things from the Bible that affect the way christians live.
8. How do christians believe that God has intervened in the world?
9. List three miracles of Jesus.
10. List three experiences of God that a Christian might have.
Unit 2: The Nature of Belief.
1. What ways do christians worship?
2. How does prayer work for a christian?
3. Is fasting compulsory for christians? Why bother?
4. How do christians use food to help them worship?
5. What does the term 'nature of belief' actually mean?
6. How does a building help a christian to worship?
7. Does music or art help? How?
8. Why is a symbol a good and bad thing for worship/belief?
9. What is contemplation?
10. Why is this the least popular unit of the lot?
Unit 4: Death and the Afterlife
1. What do christians think happens to you when you die?
2. What is a soul?
3. What is Heaven like?
4. What is Hell like?
5. Which aspects of God's character make him a judge?
6. Is it as simple as do good: go to Heaven/do bad: go to Hell?
7. List 8 things that might happen at a christian funeral.
8. How does the idea of a harvest help people at a christian funeral?
9. List 3 benefits of having a funeral in general.
10. List the three main ideas about what happens when you die.
Unit 5: Good and Evil.
1. What does the Bible say about the devil's relationship to God?
2. Give four responses that a christian might make to suffering.
3. What questions might someone have if they faced suffering?
4. How does prayer work when you are suffering?
5. Give two specific examples from the Bible of people who face suffering - both have the letter J in their names.
6. Why should a christian bother being good?
7. Give three examples of how a christian should act 'goood'.
8. Why would a christian have a problem with train-bunking?
9. How does the Holy Spirit relate to any of this?
10. What does any of this have to do with Jesus? Be specific.
PAPER B: check yourself
If these aren't
immediately
easy to you
then you need to do some work before the
exam.
Unit 6: Relationships
1. Are there any specific instructions in the Bible about how men and women should be if they are married to each other?
2. Give two or three points of view on the different roles that men and women should play in a marriage.
3. What is a covenant?
4. How does a Christian wedding reflect the main ideas of Christian marriage?
5. Which R word is essential to most questions of christians and divorce?
6. Why?
7. Give three views on divorce that are held by real christians.
8. How many types of contraception are there?
9. What are the main teachings that Christians have about sex and why?
10. Which forms of contraception do Christians disagree with and why?
Unit 7: Medical Ethics
1. Which two S words can be related to most of this unit?
2. Explain the types of fertility treatment that are available for people to use.
3. Why would or wouldn't a Christian want to have fertility treatment?
4. What are the stages of development for an unborn child?
5. Which words do pro-life campaigners not feel happy to use?
6. Give two arguments on both sides of the abortion debate.
7. List four types of euthanasia.
8. What might be an alternative to euthanasia and why?
9. Why might a christian be interested in the rights of animals?
10. How might a Christian differ in their view of animals to others?
Unit 8: Equality
1. List 5 types of inequality,
2. Which Bible teachings can be used to combat racism?
3. How might a woman find help from the Bible to support the argument for equality?
4. What do Christians think about their faith in relation to other religions and worldviews?
5. What is ecumenism?
6. Is ecumenism regarded as a good thing by all christians?
7. How does any of this unit relate back to Jesus?
8. Explain what forgiveness and reconciliation have to do with how a Christian relates to other faiths.
9. Give three major differences between the Christian faith and one other major world religion.
10. What is evangelism and why bother?
Unit 9: Poverty and Wealth
1. What causes poverty?
2. What example does Jesus provide when it comes to considering the poor?
3. Give three Bible texts that deal directly with the issue of money.
4. What two conclusions can you draw from those texts about a christian view of money?
5. Give two specific examples of modern day christian giving.
6. What jobs are right or wrong for Christians?
7. Is it simply a question of what job you do, or is there more to it?
8. What kind of difference would becoming a Christian make to your idea of future possible careers?
9. Evaluate the giving that you participate in against someone like Eric Harmer: what would he think of you?
10. Is gambling good or bad? Why?
Unit 6: Relationships
1. Are there any specific instructions in the Bible about how men and women should be if they are married to each other?
2. Give two or three points of view on the different roles that men and women should play in a marriage.
3. What is a covenant?
4. How does a Christian wedding reflect the main ideas of Christian marriage?
5. Which R word is essential to most questions of christians and divorce?
6. Why?
7. Give three views on divorce that are held by real christians.
8. How many types of contraception are there?
9. What are the main teachings that Christians have about sex and why?
10. Which forms of contraception do Christians disagree with and why?
Unit 7: Medical Ethics
1. Which two S words can be related to most of this unit?
2. Explain the types of fertility treatment that are available for people to use.
3. Why would or wouldn't a Christian want to have fertility treatment?
4. What are the stages of development for an unborn child?
5. Which words do pro-life campaigners not feel happy to use?
6. Give two arguments on both sides of the abortion debate.
7. List four types of euthanasia.
8. What might be an alternative to euthanasia and why?
9. Why might a christian be interested in the rights of animals?
10. How might a Christian differ in their view of animals to others?
Unit 8: Equality
1. List 5 types of inequality,
2. Which Bible teachings can be used to combat racism?
3. How might a woman find help from the Bible to support the argument for equality?
4. What do Christians think about their faith in relation to other religions and worldviews?
5. What is ecumenism?
6. Is ecumenism regarded as a good thing by all christians?
7. How does any of this unit relate back to Jesus?
8. Explain what forgiveness and reconciliation have to do with how a Christian relates to other faiths.
9. Give three major differences between the Christian faith and one other major world religion.
10. What is evangelism and why bother?
Unit 9: Poverty and Wealth
1. What causes poverty?
2. What example does Jesus provide when it comes to considering the poor?
3. Give three Bible texts that deal directly with the issue of money.
4. What two conclusions can you draw from those texts about a christian view of money?
5. Give two specific examples of modern day christian giving.
6. What jobs are right or wrong for Christians?
7. Is it simply a question of what job you do, or is there more to it?
8. What kind of difference would becoming a Christian make to your idea of future possible careers?
9. Evaluate the giving that you participate in against someone like Eric Harmer: what would he think of you?
10. Is gambling good or bad? Why?
How does the exam work?
Here is how:
You get two papers a few days apart from each other (e.g 14 May 2008 and then 16 June 2008 this year).
Paper 1 (PHILOSOPHY) has 5 topics and you choose the 4 that were taught to you.
1. Nature of God
2. Nature of Belief
3. Religion and Science
4. Death and the Afterlife
5. Good and Evil
Paper 2 (ETHICS) does the same.
6. R and Human Relationships
7. R and Medical Ethics
8. R and Equality
9. R, Poverty and Wealth
10. R, Peace and Justice
Each unit expects you to answer three questions.
a. SImple stick as much relevant info as you can into the answer - description is all.
b. Explain how the thing works in everyday life and practice. Show you understand how it works.
c. Become Simon Cowell and judge things! You have to evaluate a statement, bring other views in and include a Christian view. The views don't have to be opposite ones either, just different.
The next section has a handy sheet which goes through timings and some more info on getting a higher grade. Also don't forget to check out the intimate and informative interview with the chief examiner on the podcast page!
It will help you to have this book.
You get two papers a few days apart from each other (e.g 14 May 2008 and then 16 June 2008 this year).
Paper 1 (PHILOSOPHY) has 5 topics and you choose the 4 that were taught to you.
1. Nature of God
2. Nature of Belief
3. Religion and Science
4. Death and the Afterlife
5. Good and Evil
Paper 2 (ETHICS) does the same.
6. R and Human Relationships
7. R and Medical Ethics
8. R and Equality
9. R, Poverty and Wealth
10. R, Peace and Justice
Each unit expects you to answer three questions.
a. SImple stick as much relevant info as you can into the answer - description is all.
b. Explain how the thing works in everyday life and practice. Show you understand how it works.
c. Become Simon Cowell and judge things! You have to evaluate a statement, bring other views in and include a Christian view. The views don't have to be opposite ones either, just different.
The next section has a handy sheet which goes through timings and some more info on getting a higher grade. Also don't forget to check out the intimate and informative interview with the chief examiner on the podcast page!
It will help you to have this book.
Getting a higher grade
This sheet provides you with some guidance on how to
approach the three questions in each section. The
main ideas are:
1. Do everything in the right amount of time.
2. Aim to have the best ingredients for higher grades.
1. Do everything in the right amount of time.
2. Aim to have the best ingredients for higher grades.
We only cover the Christianity-based questions in this GCSE. This is mainly due to having severe time constraints - bring your own seat belt, because it is pacey. In year 8 we do an overview of other world religions and then revisit this in Year 11.
More tips? Have a look at the last few sections above. Here is a podcast interview with the Chief examiner (thanks Jon Mayled) where he outlines a few tips on getting those precious marks in the sweaty exam. It's good.
