2024_AQA-GCSE Religious Studies A – Paper 2A:
Thematic Studies
(Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme) |
Thursday 16 May 2024
GCSE
RELIGIOUS STUDIES A
Paper 2A Thematic Studies
Thursday 16 May 2024 Afternoon Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
Materials
For this paper you must have:
• an AQA 16-page answer book.
Instructions
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
• Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The examining body for this paper
is AQA. The paper reference is 8062/2A.
• Do all rough work in the answer book. Cross through any work you do not want to be marked.
• Choose four themes.
• Answer all questions on the four themes you have chosen.
Information
• The maximum mark for this paper is 96 plus 3 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
• Spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG) will be assessed in the 12-mark question. The marks
for SPaG are shown below the mark allocation for each question. The best of these marks will be
included in your total for the paper.
Advice
You are advised to spend 25 minutes on each theme.
GCSE Religious Studies A: Paper 2A - Thematic Studies Summary
The GCSE Religious Studies A: Paper 2A - Thematic Studies, scheduled for May 2024, will assess
students' understanding of key thematic issues within the study of religion. This paper focuses on moral,
social, and ethical themes that are central to Christian and non-Christian religious teachings, beliefs, and
practices. Students will explore a range of significant themes and how different religious traditions
respond to them, considering the impact of these beliefs on the lives of individuals and society.
Key Themes Covered:
1. Beliefs about Human Rights and Social Justice
Human Rights: The concept of human rights, including the belief that all people are equal and
have certain inalienable rights. Students will explore how different religious traditions, including
Christianity, address issues of equality, dignity, and human rights.
, Social Justice: The idea of justice in society, particularly in relation to economic and social
inequalities. Students will examine religious teachings on fairness, poverty, and how religious
communities work to create a just society.
Religious Responses to Poverty and Wealth: The role of charity, generosity, and social
responsibility in addressing poverty. Religious responses to issues such as wealth inequality,
homelessness, and care for the poor will be discussed.
Christianity and Social Justice: How Christian teachings, such as the work of Jesus Christ and
Christian charity, inform the Christian approach to social justice and humanitarian efforts.
2. Peace and Conflict
The Concept of Peace: Students will explore the religious perspectives on peace, including its
significance in various religions. Peace as a fundamental value in Christianity and other faiths
will be analyzed.
Causes of Conflict: Students will consider the causes of conflict, including political, economic,
and social factors. They will explore how different religions address the causes of war and
conflict, and how religious teachings promote peace and reconciliation.
Pacifism and Just War Theory: The ethical dilemmas around war, peace, and violence,
including Christian views on pacifism (e.g., Quakers) and the theory of a "Just War." How
religions justify or oppose violence and war, and what constitutes a just cause for conflict will be
discussed.
Religion’s Role in Peacebuilding: The role of religious leaders, organizations, and
communities in promoting peace, resolving conflicts, and offering forgiveness and
reconciliation.
3. Relationships and Families
Marriage and Family Life: The importance of marriage and family life within religious
communities, particularly in Christianity. Students will explore the religious significance of
marriage, the roles of parents, and the upbringing of children within faith communities.
Christian Teachings on Marriage: Christian views on marriage as a sacred bond between man
and woman, including vows, ceremonies, and the belief that marriage is a gift from God.
Sexuality: Religious teachings on human sexuality, sexual relationships, and ethical
considerations around issues such as adultery, premarital sex, and homosexuality.
Divorce and Remarriage: Different religious perspectives on divorce, the circumstances under
which divorce is permitted, and the ethics of remarriage. In Christianity, the teachings of Jesus
on divorce and the contrasting views within different denominations (e.g., Catholicism vs.
Protestantism) will be examined.
Family Life and Responsibility: The role of parents, children, and extended family members in
religious communities, with a focus on how religious teachings promote respect, care, and duty
within family relationships.
4. The Value of Life and Ethical Issues
Sanctity of Life: The religious belief that life is sacred and must be protected. Students will
explore how religious traditions, particularly Christianity, address issues like abortion,
euthanasia, and capital punishment.
Abortion: Religious responses to abortion, considering views on the sanctity of life, the rights of
the mother, and when life begins. The debate over whether abortion is morally acceptable will
be examined.
Euthanasia: Ethical dilemmas surrounding euthanasia and assisted suicide, and the different
religious views on the sanctity of life and the rights of individuals to end their suffering.
Capital Punishment: Religious teachings on the morality of the death penalty, including
Christian perspectives on forgiveness, justice, and the sanctity of life.
,5. Environmental Issues
Environmental Stewardship: The concept of stewardship, where humans are seen as caretakers
of God's creation. Students will examine religious views on environmental protection and the
responsibilities of individuals and societies to protect the environment.
Christianity and the Environment: Christian teachings, including those found in the Bible
(such as the commandment to care for the earth), and how they influence Christian attitudes
toward issues like climate change, pollution, and conservation.
Ethical Issues around Climate Change and Sustainability: Religious responses to
contemporary environmental challenges, with a focus on Christian teachings on sustainability,
reducing harm to the planet, and promoting responsible consumption.
6. Ethics of Business and Work
Work and the Role of the Economy: How religious teachings inform the understanding of
work, including the morality of business practices, the ethical treatment of workers, and the role
of profit in society.
Christian Work Ethics: The Christian perspective on the dignity of work, the importance of
fair treatment for all workers, and the duty to contribute to society in a positive and ethical way.
This may include the role of Christians in fighting for workers' rights and combating
exploitation.
The Ethics of Profit: The morality of business profits, the pursuit of wealth, and the Christian
perspective on using wealth for the good of others, including through charity and social justice
initiatives.
IB/M/Jun24/G4005/E5 8062/2A
, 2
You should answer all questions from four themes.
0 1 Theme A: Relationships and families
0 1 . 1 The family unit is important to many religious people. Which
one of the following describes an extended family?
[1 mark]
A A couple living without children
B A person living with their pets
C Children living with parents
D Parents living with children and grandparents
0 1 . 2 Give two religious beliefs about human sexuality.
[2 marks]
0 1 . 3 Explain two contrasting religious beliefs about polygamy.
In your answer you must refer to one or more religious traditions.
[4 marks]
0 1 . 4 Explain two religious beliefs about gender discrimination.
Refer to sacred writings or another source of religious belief and teaching in your
answer.
[5 marks]
0 1 . 5 ‘Marriage is not important in today’s world.’
Evaluate this statement.
In your answer you:
• should give reasoned arguments in support of this statement
• should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view
• should refer to religious arguments
• may refer to non-religious arguments
• should reach a justified conclusion.
[12 marks]
[Plus SPaG 3 marks]
IB/M/Jun24/8062/2A
