How to Achieve an A* in A-Level RS

A-Level Religious Studies (RS) is a broad and intellectually stimulating subject, requiring students to engage with complex philosophical, ethical, and theological ideas. Achieving an A* in RS involves not only an in-depth understanding of key concepts but also the ability to critically evaluate arguments, present coherent and structured essays, and apply your knowledge to various religious and philosophical contexts.

This guide is designed to help you excel in each of the major components of A-Level Religious Studies, including the study of philosophy of religion, religious ethics, and the study of religions (usually Christianity, Islam, and/or another religion).

Understand the Specification and Assessment Objectives

Before you start revising, make sure you're familiar with your exam board's specification (AQA, OCR, or Edexcel). This will ensure you're clear on the topics and skills you'll be assessed on.

Key Assessment Objectives:

• AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of religion and belief, including aspects of philosophy, ethics, and the study of religions.
• AO2: Analyse and evaluate aspects of religion and belief, including their significance and influence.
• AO3: Apply knowledge and understanding of religion to engage with questions of meaning and value.

Each component of the course (philosophy of religion, religious ethics, and the study of religions) will test these objectives, so you must balance knowledge with evaluation and application.

Master Core Content in Philosophy of Religion

Philosophy of religion is often one of the most challenging sections, as it involves abstract concepts and logical reasoning. Understanding the key arguments, thinkers, and counterarguments is essential for success.

Key Areas to Focus On:

Arguments for the existence of God:

• Cosmological argument (e.g., Aquinas, Kalam argument).
• Teleological argument (e.g., Paley’s watchmaker analogy, the fine-tuning argument).
• Ontological argument (e.g., Anselm, Descartes, Gaunilo’s criticism).

Challenges to the existence of God:

• Problem of evil (logical and evidential problem, responses like theodicy, Augustine, Irenaeus, the free will defence).
• Science and the rejection of God (evolutionary theory, Dawkins’ criticisms).

Religious experience:

• Types of religious experiences (e.g., mystical, numinous).
• Arguments for and against the validity of religious experience (James, Otto, and critiques).

The nature of God:

• Attributes of God (omnipotence, omniscience, omnibenevolence).
• The problem of divine hiddenness.

Active Revision Strategies:

• Summarise each argument in a few bullet points: Write concise summaries of key philosophers’ views and the arguments they make.
• Compare and contrast different philosophers and their positions on key issues (e.g., the difference between Aquinas and Dawkins on the cosmological argument).
• Mind maps: Create mind maps linking key thinkers and ideas to help you visualise connections between different topics.

Master Religious Ethics

Religious ethics involves applying religious principles to moral issues. For this section, you’ll need to understand both key ethical theories and their application to real-life moral dilemmas.

Key Areas to Focus On:

Ethical theories:

• Natural Law (Aquinas): The relationship between human nature and moral law.
• Divine Command Theory: The view that morality is determined by God’s will.
• Situation Ethics (Fletcher): The emphasis on love as the central principle of ethics.
• Utilitarianism (Bentham and Mill): The greatest happiness principle and its application.
• Kantian ethics: Duty, autonomy, and the categorical imperative.

Application of ethics:

• Medical ethics: Abortion, euthanasia, reproductive technologies, and bioethics.
• Environmental ethics: Stewardship, the value of animals, eco-theology.
• Social ethics: Justice, poverty, war, and human rights.

Active Revision Strategies:

• Apply ethical theories to contemporary moral dilemmas. For example, how would Kant’s theory of duty approach euthanasia? How would situation ethics respond to issues like abortion?
• Create case studies for each ethical theory: This will help you understand how each theory is applied in real-life contexts.
• Use key terms: Make sure you understand and can apply technical terms, such as "deontological," "teleological," and "consequentialist."

Study Religious Beliefs and Practices

This section involves understanding the beliefs, practices, and historical development of key religions. For example, Christianity and Islam are commonly studied, but this will vary depending on your syllabus.

Key Areas to Focus On (for Christianity and Islam):

Christianity:

• Core beliefs: The nature of God (Trinity), salvation, the role of Jesus Christ, and the resurrection.
• Sacraments and worship: Baptism, Eucharist, liturgy, and prayer.
• Moral teachings: Christian ethics, social justice, and the role of the Church in society.
• The problem of evil and suffering in Christian theology.

Islam:

• Core beliefs: The five pillars, the concept of God (Tawhid), prophethood, and the afterlife.
• Islamic law (Sharia): Its role in personal and public life, and the role of the Qur’an and Hadith.
• Social teachings: Justice, charity, and the role of women in Islam.

Comparative religious study (if applicable): Compare and contrast religious views on topics such as creation, the nature of humanity, and the afterlife.

Active Revision Strategies:

• Create detailed notes on key beliefs, practices, and historical developments for each religion.
• Compare religious perspectives: For example, compare Christian and Islamic views on the afterlife or compare how different religions approach moral issues like abortion.
• Use key quotes: Learn important theological or ethical quotes from sacred texts, as they can add depth to your answers.

Develop Critical Thinking and Evaluation Skills (AO2)

To achieve an A*, you need to demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate arguments and ideas, particularly in essays.

Key Skills:

• Critique philosophical arguments: Challenge the strengths and weaknesses of arguments. For instance, does the cosmological argument really prove the existence of God, or does it rely on assumptions that can be questioned?
• Weigh ethical theories: For example, does Kant’s deontological approach offer clear guidance in moral dilemmas, or are there situations where it may fail?
• Compare religious beliefs: Are religious perspectives on certain issues (e.g., the nature of God or the problem of evil) coherent and consistent, or are there internal contradictions?
• Use of counterarguments: Always consider alternative viewpoints and provide counterarguments to strengthen your analysis. For example, how do atheistic critiques of religious experience challenge the validity of the experience?

Exam Technique and Answer Structure

A* students need to present clear, structured, and well-argued essays. Here's how to improve your exam technique:

Key Exam Tips:

• Understand the command words: “Evaluate” means considering both sides of an argument, while “Explain” requires you to detail an idea or process.
• Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic and outline the key points you will discuss.
• Main body: Present arguments, then counterarguments, and explain the strengths and weaknesses of each.
• Conclusion: Provide a balanced conclusion, summarising your evaluation, and state your final judgement based on the evidence.
• Use scholarly references: When appropriate, refer to scholars and philosophers to support your arguments (e.g., “According to Kant...”).

Time Management and Revision Plan

Given the depth and breadth of the subject, time management is crucial.

Revision Tips:

• Practice using past papers: All available RS past papers can be found on Revision World. 
• Plan your time: Break your revision into manageable chunks, dedicating specific time slots to each area (philosophy, ethics, and religion).
• Prioritise weak areas: Focus more on topics where you struggle, but make sure to review strengths too.
• Use spaced repetition: Regularly go back over material to reinforce your knowledge.
• Create a revision timetable  

Final Words of Advice from A* Students

• “Always link your arguments back to the question, don’t just write everything you know.”
• “Balance your revision: don’t just focus on memorising quotes and theories, ensure you can analyse and critique them too.”
• “Practice essay writing under timed conditions. The more you practise, the more confident you’ll feel in the exam.”