Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Religious Studies

Specification 4RS1 · Pearson Edexcel · International GCSE · first assessment June 2019 (Issue 2 assessment from June 2027) · graded 9–1

Two written papers. Paper 1 is shared by every learner and examines beliefs and values across four themes — creation, life and death, peace and conflict, and rights and social justice — with non-religious belief examined alongside religious belief throughout. Paper 2 is the religion the learner has actually studied: one of six papers, on origins and authority, celebration and pilgrimage, and worship and practice.

Papers and components

• Paper 1: Beliefs and values (4RS1/01) — 60% of the qualification, 100 marks, 105 minutes. Section 1 The universe, creation and the place of human beings — AO1, AO2; Section 2 Life and death — AO1, AO2; Section 3 Peace and conflict — AO1, AO2; Section 4 Rights, equality and social justice — AO1, AO2
• Paper 2: The religious community (4RS1/2A–2F) — 40% of the qualification, 60 marks, 90 minutes. Section 1 Origins and their impact on the community: founders, texts and other sources of authority — AO1, AO2; Section 2 Celebration and pilgrimage — AO1, AO2; Section 3 Worship and practice — AO1, AO2

Assessment objectives

• AO1 (50%) — Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of religion, beliefs and values.
• AO2 (50%) — Analyse and evaluate aspects of religion, beliefs and values, including their significance and influence.

What to know about this specification

• Two papers: Paper 1 (4RS1/01) is 1 hour 45 minutes for 100 marks and 60% of the qualification; Paper 2 is 1 hour 30 minutes for 60 marks and 40%.
• Paper 2 is six papers, one per religion. A learner sits exactly one of 4RS1/2A–2F.
• AO1 and AO2 are 50% each. Half of every mark on this qualification is for evaluation, not recall.
• Five command words exist and no others: Identify (3), Outline (4), Explain (6), Discuss (10, Paper 2), Evaluate (12, Paper 1).
• Non-religious beliefs are examined throughout Paper 1 and appear nowhere on Paper 2.
• Pearson states that this qualification is not accredited or regulated by any UK regulatory body.
• A second live route exists — 4XRS1 Modular, Issue 1 (August 2023) — with the same content in resittable units. Incandio teaches the linear route.

Options on this specification

• Buddhism — Paper 2A (4RS1/2A) · entry option 4RS1A (built in Incandio)
• Christianity — Paper 2B (4RS1/2B) · entry option 4RS1B (built in Incandio)
• Hinduism — Paper 2C (4RS1/2C) · entry option 4RS1C (built in Incandio)
• Islam — Paper 2D (4RS1/2D) · entry option 4RS1D (built in Incandio)
• Judaism — Paper 2E (4RS1/2E) · entry option 4RS1E (built in Incandio)
• Sikhism — Paper 2F (4RS1/2F) · entry option 4RS1F (built in Incandio)

Learn it on Incandio

This page is the specification. The teaching is on the Religious Studies units — every unit explained, then taught back to an AI pupil and defended against a real historical figure. Completely free.

Topics (35)

• 1.1 The universe and the place of human beings — Paper 1 | Section 1: The universe, creation and the place of human beings; AO1, AO2
• 1.2 Human nature and the human condition — Paper 1 | Section 1: The universe, creation and the place of human beings; AO1, AO2
• 1.3 Selfishness, greed, ignorance and sin — Paper 1 | Section 1: The universe, creation and the place of human beings; AO1, AO2
• 1.4 Free will, determinism and predestination — Paper 1 | Section 1: The universe, creation and the place of human beings; AO1, AO2
• 1.5 Ultimate reality — Paper 1 | Section 1: The universe, creation and the place of human beings; AO1, AO2
• 1.6 Belief, uncertainty and unbelief — Paper 1 | Section 1: The universe, creation and the place of human beings; AO1, AO2
• 1.7 The problem of evil and suffering — Paper 1 | Section 1: The universe, creation and the place of human beings; AO1, AO2
• 2.1 Death and life after death — Paper 1 | Section 2: Life and death; AO1, AO2
• 2.2 The meaning and purpose of life — Paper 1 | Section 2: Life and death; AO1, AO2
• 2.3 Sanctity of life, abortion and euthanasia — Paper 1 | Section 2: Life and death; AO1, AO2
• 2.4 Human relationships — Paper 1 | Section 2: Life and death; AO1, AO2
• 2.5 Marriage and partnership — Paper 1 | Section 2: Life and death; AO1, AO2
• 2.6 Divorce and remarriage — Paper 1 | Section 2: Life and death; AO1, AO2
• 2.7 Family structures and responsibilities — Paper 1 | Section 2: Life and death; AO1, AO2
• 2.8 Childlessness and celibacy — Paper 1 | Section 2: Life and death; AO1, AO2
• 3.1 Conflict and war — Paper 1 | Section 3: Peace and conflict; AO1, AO2
• 3.2 Peace, reconciliation and forgiveness — Paper 1 | Section 3: Peace and conflict; AO1, AO2
• 3.3 Bullying — Paper 1 | Section 3: Peace and conflict; AO1, AO2
• 3.4 Sin and crime — Paper 1 | Section 3: Peace and conflict; AO1, AO2
• 3.5 Punishment — Paper 1 | Section 3: Peace and conflict; AO1, AO2
• 3.6 Capital punishment — Paper 1 | Section 3: Peace and conflict; AO1, AO2
• 4.1 Human rights — Paper 1 | Section 4: Rights, equality and social justice; AO1, AO2
• 4.2 Equal rights and equal opportunities — Paper 1 | Section 4: Rights, equality and social justice; AO1, AO2
• 4.3 The multi-ethnic society and racial harmony — Paper 1 | Section 4: Rights, equality and social justice; AO1, AO2
• 4.4 The multi-faith society and interfaith relationships — Paper 1 | Section 4: Rights, equality and social justice; AO1, AO2
• 4.5 Relationships between rich and poor — Paper 1 | Section 4: Rights, equality and social justice; AO1, AO2
• 1.1 The central person of the religion — Paper 2 | Section 1: Origins and their impact on the community: founders, texts and other sources of authority; AO1, AO2
• 1.2 The principal text and its authority — Paper 2 | Section 1: Origins and their impact on the community: founders, texts and other sources of authority; AO1, AO2
• 1.3 Leaders and leadership — Paper 2 | Section 1: Origins and their impact on the community: founders, texts and other sources of authority; AO1, AO2
• 1.4 One other significant figure — Paper 2 | Section 1: Origins and their impact on the community: founders, texts and other sources of authority; AO1, AO2
• 2.1 The major festival(s) — Paper 2 | Section 2: Celebration and pilgrimage; AO1, AO2
• 2.2 Pilgrimage — Paper 2 | Section 2: Celebration and pilgrimage; AO1, AO2
• 3.1 The place of worship — Paper 2 | Section 3: Worship and practice; AO1, AO2
• 3.2 Forms of worship — Paper 2 | Section 3: Worship and practice; AO1, AO2
• 3.3 Rites of passage — Paper 2 | Section 3: Worship and practice; AO1, AO2

Condensed revision notes on this course are called Grade 9 Notes, because it is graded 9–1.

Built from the official specification (Issue 2 — February 2025, read 2026-08-26); the official sample assessment (Sample Assessment Materials — Issue 2, read 2026-08-26).