GCSE Religious Studies

Following a review of this summer’s exam series, from the June 2019 series onwards, we will be adopting an integrated question and answer booklet format for Components 01–05 (Beliefs and teachings & Practices) of our GCSE in Religious Studies.

This change means that instead of a student having a separate question paper and a separate answer booklet for each religion, they will just have one integrated paper per religion.

Each question will be followed by lines on which candidates can write their responses. This will give candidates a useful indication on how much to write and how long to spend on each question and we hope this change will make the examination easier to administer.

We have updated the sample assessment materials to reflect this change in structure and they are now available from the qualification page. To access them, go to Assessment > Sample assessment materials.

Don’t forget centres can choose which paper candidates take first, but this paper must be collected (after the time allowed) before distributing the second.

This format change will not apply to Components 06–10 (the religion, philosophy and ethics papers) or the GCSE Religious Studies Short Course, and the examination for these components will continue to be one question paper to be completed within the time allowed.

If you have any queries about this update, please call our Customer Support Centre on 01223 553998 or email general.qualifications@ocr.org.uk.

Qualification

• Religious Studies (9-1) - J625, J125 (from 2016)