Comprehensive Study Notes: Pearson Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A - Catholic Christianity 2020 Exam

Examination Overview and Administrative Instructions

• Examination Board: Pearson Edexcel

• Level: Level $1$/Level $2$ GCSE ($9$–$1$)

• Paper Reference: $1RA0/1A – P62509A$

• Subject: Religious Studies A

• Paper Title: Paper $1$: Area of Study $1$ – Study of Religion

• Option: Option $1A$ – Catholic Christianity

• Date of Examination: Monday $11$ May $2020$

• Time Allotted: $1$ hour $45$ minutes

• Total Marks Available: $102$

Candidate Information Requirements

• Candidates must provide:

  • Surname

  • Other names

  • Centre Number

  • Candidate Number

General Instructions for Candidates

• Writing Material: Use black ink or ball-point pen.

• Answering Protocol: Answer ALL questions in the spaces provided.

• Assessment of Written Communication: Questions marked with an asterisk (*) assess the quality of written communication. This includes:

  • Spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

  • Effective use of specialist terminology.

Examination Advice

• Read each question carefully before beginning an answer.

• Attempt every question provided in the paper.

• Check all answers if time remains at the end of the session.

• Use the bracketed marks as a guide for time allocation per question.

Question Section 1: Beliefs and Teachings

• Total Marks for Section 1: $27$

Sub-Questions

• (a) Characteristic of God in Creation: Outline three characteristics of God shown in the Creation account. ($3$ marks)

• (b) The Trinity in Worship: Explain two ways the Trinity is reflected in Catholic worship. ($4$ marks)

• (c) Importance of Imago Dei: Explain two reasons why being created in the image of God is important to Catholics. ($5$ marks)

  • Requirement: Must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.

• (d) Evaluation of the Resurrection: ‘The resurrection of Jesus is the most significant event in Christianity.’ Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against. ($15$ marks total, including $3$ marks for spelling, punctuation, and grammar)

  • Response Requirements:

    • Refer to Catholic teachings.

    • Provide a justified conclusion.

Question Section 2: Practices

• Total Marks for Section 2: $24$

Sub-Questions

• (a) Popular Piety: Outline three forms of popular piety. ($3$ marks)

• (b) Sacrament of Reconciliation: Explain two reasons why Catholics receive the sacrament of reconciliation. ($4$ marks)

• (c) Inclusion of the Poor: Explain two reasons why Catholics seek inclusion of the poor in society. ($5$ marks)

  • Requirement: Must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.

• (d) Evaluation of the Mass: ‘Mass is the most important form of worship.’ Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against. ($12$ marks)

  • Response Requirements:

    • Refer to Catholic teachings.

    • Refer to different Christian points of view.

    • Reach a justified conclusion.

Question Section 3: Sources of Wisdom and Authority

• Total Marks for Section 3: $27$

Sub-Questions

• (a) The Body of Christ: Outline three beliefs about the Church as the Body of Christ. ($3$ marks)

• (b) Following Conscience: Explain two reasons why some Christians follow their conscience. ($4$ marks)

• (c) Biblical Interpretation: Explain two ways the Bible can be interpreted. ($5$ marks)

  • Requirement: Must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.

• (d) Evaluation of Mary: ‘Mary is best understood as a model of faith.’ Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against. ($15$ marks total, including $3$ marks for spelling, punctuation, and grammar)

  • Response Requirements:

    • Refer to Catholic teachings.

    • Reach a justified conclusion.

Question Section 4: Forms of Expression and Ways of Life

• Total Marks for Section 4: $24$

Sub-Questions

• (a) Music in Worship: Outline three ways music is used in worship. ($3$ marks)

• (b) Importance of Passion Plays: Explain two reasons why passion plays are important. ($4$ marks)

• (c) Sculptures and Statues: Explain two ways sculptures and statues are used in a Catholic church. ($5$ marks)

  • Requirement: Must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.

• (d) Evaluation of Paintings: ‘Paintings help people understand their faith.’ Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against. ($12$ marks)

  • Response Requirements:

    • Refer to Catholic teachings.

    • Refer to different Christian points of view.

    • Reach a justified conclusion.

Summary of Marking Structure

• Section 1 (Beliefs and Teachings): $27$ marks total.

• Section 2 (Practices): $24$ marks total.

• Section 3 (Sources of Wisdom and Authority): $27$ marks total.

• Section 4 (Forms of Expression and Ways of Life): $24$ marks total.

• Paper Total: $102$ marks.

• Components of SPaG marks: Marks available for spelling, punctuation, and grammar are specifically indicated for question $1(d)$ and $3(d)$.