Following a review of this summer’s exam series, from the June 2020 series onwards, we will be adopting an integrated question and answer booklet format for Components 06–10 (Religion, philosophy and ethics in the modern world from a religious perspective) of our full course GCSE in Religious Studies (J625). We have brought this in line with Components 01–05 (Beliefs and teachings & Practices).

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

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 also refined the number of lines and applied this to all components. There will now be:

• 6 lines for 3-mark questions
• 18 lines for 6-mark questions
• 50 lines for 15-mark questions

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.

We have also updated our mark schemes to improve clarity on what is expected in our AO1 6-mark questions.

If you would like further information, please contact our Religious Studies Subject Advisor on 01223 553998 or email religious.studies@ocr.org.uk.

Qualification

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