New GCEs for 2008
GCE Religious Studies (2060)
Updates
Introduction of Religious Experience as a New Topic in Unit 4A
Improvements to the specification content for GCE Religious Studies
Introduction
Introducing AQA's new course specification for Religious Studies for AS and A Level. This new redrafted specification has been designed to:
- offer teachers a comprehensive range of options to design a course which reflects their specialism and that will engage candidates
- cover a wide choice of topics including: ethics, philosophy, the six major world religions, aspects of Christianity, religion and art, and religion and contemporary society
- offer candidates an opportunity to build understanding and skills - not necessarily with prior knowledge.
The following information and specification outline will enable both practising Teachers and Subject Heads to be better informed and supported in the teaching of this subject, particularly if attending one of AQA's Teacher Support meetings.
Classification Codes
Every specification is assigned a national classification code indicating the subject area to which it belongs. The classification code for this specification is 4610.
Centres should be aware that candidates who enter for more than one GCE AS/A level qualification with the same classification code will have only one grade (the highest) counted for the purpose of the School and College Performance Tables.
Centres may wish to advise candidates that, if they take two specifications with the same classification code, universities and employers are very likely to take the view that they have achieved only one of the two GCE AS/A levels. The same view may be taken if candidates take two GCE AS/A level specifications that have different classification codes but have significant overlap of content. Candidates who have any doubts about their subject combinations should check with the university to which they wish to progress or company they wish to join, before embarking on their programmes.
Assessment Objectives
The Assessment objectives are common to AS and A Level.
AO1 - Select and demonstrate clearly relevant knowledge and understanding through the use of evidence, examples and correct language and terminology appropriate to the course of study. In addition, for synoptic assessment, A level candidates should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the connections between different elements of their course of study
AO2 - Critically evaluate and justify a point of view through the use of evidence and reasoned argument. In addition, for synoptic assessment, A level candidates should relate elements of their course of study to their broader context and to aspects of human experience.