AS/A Level GCEReligious Studies - H172 H572

There have been significant changes in the new specification to meet customers' needs. Some units have changed more than others. There are 18 units in the new specification. The content for some units has merged with other units. The content of the Foundation unit has been moved into the corresponding units, for example Philosophy of Religion content which previously was in the Foundation unit has now been moved to the Philosophy of Religion unit in the new specification, similarly with the other units as well.

Coursework has been completely removed from the new specification in line with the QCA subject criteria. There is only external examination. The questions' style remains similar to the style in the previous specification. At AS questions are broken down to fit the Assessment Objectives. At A2 both Assessment Objectives are covered by one question. This allows for development of essay style and technique between AS and A2. The length of exam has changed. It is now 1 hour and 30 minutes at AS and 2 hours at A2.

The specification provides more detailed guidance than the previous specification. In addition, there will be notes of guidance which provide a thorough explanation of how to approach different subject areas, with suggestions of resources and approaches. There will be a detailed and up-to-date resources list. Detailed schemes of work on all units will also be available, as well as sample lesson plans. OCR is working closely with publishers Harcourt to develop a text book, CD resources and further teacher resources. These resources will cover all units within the specification.

No, there is no separate synoptic unit in the new specification. Synopticity is assessed across all A2 units by the study of specific themes at A2. There will be no separate synoptic questions in the exam.

No, Assessment Objectives have not changed in the new specification. A01 remains as Knowledge and Understanding, A02 remains as Critical and Contextual Skills. Weightings however have changed. Please see draft specification on the website for further details.

Yes. In response to centre demand, OCR will be publishing past papers for live specifications on the website. These will be free of charge. Question papers from the latest series will be available to download from OCR Interchange only.

OCR is working in partnership with individual publishers for different subject groups. Comprehensive resources are being developed by these Publishing Partners and others to support the specification and complement the support available from OCR.

Schemes of work and lesson plans can be downloaded for each qualifcation. The materials are available in PDF format, and  Word format. Teachers can adapt the materials for their own use.

Yes, the A* grade is calculated arithmetically based on the units used for aggregation, irrespective of whether or not they are re-sits.