Pearson Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B

Summer 2023 Exam - Paper 2: Religion, Peace and Conflict

General Information

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General Marking Guidance

• Consistency: All candidates must be treated equally. Marking should be consistent from first to last candidate.
• Positive Marking: Reward what candidates have demonstrated they can do.
• Full Marks: Award full marks if deserved. Zero marks if response matches no criteria.
• Judgement Application: When in doubt regarding mark scheme application, consult the team leader.

Paper 2: Christianity

Question 1: The Trinity & Suffering

• 1(a): Trinitarian Formula

  • Used as a blessing
  • Used during baptism
  • Mentioned in the Nicene Creed
  • Part of the prayer "The Glory Be"
  • Used in making the Sign of the Cross

• 1(b): Beliefs on Suffering

  • Natural suffering may be allowed by God
  • Leads to charitable work or soul making
  • Recognizing good through suffering

• 1(c): Teachings on Salvation

  • Belief in Christ leads to salvation (John 3:15)
  • Jesus' role in God’s plan for salvation (John 3:17)
  • Jesus as ransom for humanity’s sins (Acts 4:12)

• 1(d): Analysis of Purgatory

  • Purgatory: purification necessary to enter heaven
  • Some see it as essential; others as non-essential or invented by the historical Church

Question 2: Justice & Punishment

• 2(a): Teachings on Forgiveness

  • Repentance leads to forgiveness
  • Punishments should show justice
  • Non-retaliation and leaving revenge to God

• 2(b): Views on Death Penalty

  • Considered wrong as it ends a life
  • Interferes with God’s plan
  • Rejection of God’s gift of life

• 2(c): Actions for Justice

  • Treat criminals with justice, avoid reoffense
  • Help the needy as shown in Parable of the Sheep and Goats
  • Reform offenders gently (Galatians 6:1)

• 2(d): Forgiveness vs. Punishment

  • Importance of forgiveness as taught by Jesus
  • Lord’s Prayer guides forgiveness
  • Some argue punishment leads to reform and learning

Question 3: Church & Worship

• 3(a): Role of Local Church

  • Advertise worship services
  • Organize sacramental preparation
  • Invite community to social groups
  • Support local charities

• 3(b): Non-liturgical Worship

  • Offers freedom and personal connection
  • Encourages openness to the Holy Spirit
  • Seen as more devotional

• 3(c): Christian Aid Actions

  • Overcome injustice, reflect Jesus' teachings
  • End global poverty, show love
  • Work with local groups for dignified lives

Question 4: Peace & Conflict

• 4(a): Christian Teachings on Peace

  • Solve conflicts peacefully
  • Non-retaliation during Jesus' arrest
  • Love and peacemaking rewarded

• 4(b): Working for Peace

  • Use educational materials to promote peace
  • Petition government
  • Pray for peace

• 4(c): Views on Weapons of Mass Destruction

  • Some use as deterrent, others oppose due to killing innocents
  • Promote peace or end wars quickly

• 4(d): Religion’s Role in Overcoming Conflict

  • Teachings emphasize love and social justice
  • Some argue political leaders, not religion, have power to resolve conflicts
  • Religion seen as both potential cause and solution in conflicts

Marking Levels

• Level 1: Basic identification and superficial connections
• Level 2: Limited understanding with some appraisal
• Level 3: Coherent reasoning, considers different viewpoints
• Level 4: Critical analysis with sustained understanding and comprehensive evidence appraisal

SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar)

• 0 Marks: No attempt or severely hindered meaning
• 1 Mark: Reasonable accuracy, some specialist terms
• 2 Marks: Considerable accuracy, good range of terms
• 3 Marks: Consistent accuracy, wide range of terms