Oxford Revise: AQA GCSE Religious Studies A: Christianity and Buddhism

Section 1: Christianity
1 Beliefs and teachings: The nature of God and beliefs about creation
1 Beliefs and teachings: The afterlife
1 Beliefs and teachings: Jesus
1 Beliefs and teachings: Sin and salvation
1 Practices: Worship and prayer
1 Practices: The role and meaning of the sacraments
1 Practices: The role and importance of pilgrimage and celebrations
1 Practices: The role of the Church
1 Practices: The importance of the worldwide Church
Section 2: Buddhism
2 Key beliefs: The Buddha’s life and its significance
2 Key beliefs: Dhamma, dependent arising and the Three Marks of Existence
2 Key beliefs: The human personality and human destiny
2 Key beliefs: The Four Noble Truths
2 Practices: Places of worship
2 Practices: Puja and meditation
2 Practices: Ceremonies and rituals associated with death
2 Practices: Festival and retreats
2 Practices: Buddhist ethics
Section 3: Thematic Studies
3 Theme A: Relationships and families
3A Sex, marriage and divorce
3A Families
3A Gender equality
3 Theme B: Religion and life
3B The origins and value of the universe
3B The origins and value of human life
3B Abortion and Euthanasia
3 Theme C: The existence of God and revelation
3C Philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God
3C The nature of the divine and revelation
3C The value of revelation and enlightenment as sources of knowledge about the divine
3 Theme D: Religion, peace and conflict
3D Religion, violence, terrorism and war
3D Reasons for war
3D Religion and belief in 21st century conflict
3 Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment
3E Religion, crime and the causes of crime
3E Religion and punishment
3E The death penalty
3 Theme F: Religion, human rights and social justice
3F Prejudice and discrimination
3F Human rights
3F Wealth and poverty

This guide covers every topic in the AQA GCSE Religious Studies A: Christianity and Buddhism course in depth, using clear, easy-to-understand language. Key terms boxes highlight the important words and language that you need to understand and help you to use them confidently. Revision tips give you quick ways to understand the core concepts and practice remembering them.

Each chapter has lots of exam-style questions for you to practice. These are designed to build your confidence, consolidate your knowledge and stretch your understanding. Exam tips show you how to interpret questions, what you need to do in your answers, and give you advice on how to get as many marks as possible.

Oxford Revise uses a clear three-step method to get you ready for your exams.

Step 1: Knowledge – learn the facts
Everything you need to know in each chapter is summarised in an easy-to-follow Knowledge Organiser.

Step 2: Retrieval – check you’ve retained the knowledge
Quick-fire recall questions and answers make sure you have learned the knowledge you will need for your exams.

Step 3: Practice – complete questions in the style of the final exams
Practice applying your knowledge and skills with plenty of exam-style questions, featuring hints and tips from revision and subject experts.

Author and Series editor: Dawn Cox

About Dawn Cox

Series Editor for Oxford Revise, Dawn is an experienced teacher and leader at secondary level.

She has a Masters in Innovation and Leadership in education and is a Chartered College of Teaching, Chartered teacher.

She has worked on senior leadership teams, been an AST, Lead Practitioner and an SLE. She is currently Head of Religious Education.