Strong preparation for A Level Religious Studies isn’t about memorising dozens of quotations — it’s about knowing the specification, practising the exam skills that earn marks, and building habits you can sustain.

Use the checklist below to get set up before (and during) your course.

1) Know the specification & assessment

• Skim your exam board’s specification to see topics, assessment format and key command words.
• Note how AO1 (knowledge/understanding) and AO2 (analysis/evaluation) are rewarded — every essay needs both.
• Create a topic map across the three strands: Philosophy of Religion, Ethics, and your religion/theology unit (e.g., Christianity).

Marking explained: AO1 vs AO2 in RS.

2) Set up your study system

• One folder (or section) per strand with: key terms, core arguments/theories, scholars & sources of wisdom, and evaluation.
• Flashcards for definitions and short scholar paraphrases/quotations.
• Weekly plan: 2–3 focused sessions (45–60 mins) plus one short retrieval session.

3) Build core skills early

• Essay structure: Use PEEL/PEACE paragraphs and finish with a decisive conclusion. See our RS essay guide.
• Philosophy of Religion: Map the classic arguments (cosmological, teleological, evil/suffering, religious experience, religious language). Start with key arguments & scholars.
• Ethics: Learn the “big three” (Utilitarianism, Kantian Ethics, Natural Law) and practise application to scenarios. See our Ethics guide.

4) Use high-quality resources

• Pick one core textbook/workbook set and stick to it for notes and practice. Our picks: best textbooks & resources by exam board.
• Mirror examiner language by using specification keywords and succinct scholar references in your notes.
• Download past papers/mark schemes from your board and self-mark to the AOs.

5) Practise like the exam

• Weekly: 10–15 minutes of timed writing (one PEEL paragraph or a short part-question).
• Every 2–3 weeks: one full essay under timed conditions, then self-mark against AO1/AO2.
• Keep a rolling errors & fixes log to target recurring weaknesses.

6) Make evaluation automatic (AO2)

• Learn 3–4 reusable angles: logical strength, evidence/experience, counter-examples/objections, and real-world application/consequences.
• Weave in concise scholars and sources of wisdom to support or challenge a judgement — not as name-drops.
• Link strands: use Philosophy insights to strengthen Theology evaluation; apply Ethics precisely to case studies.

7) Subject mix & starting points

• Pair RS with English/History for essay practice or with Philosophy/Sociology for argument and context.
• No GCSE RS? Focus on building vocabulary and AO skills early. See Can I study RS without GCSE RS?
• Unsure about English requirements? Read Do I need GCSE English for RS?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Writing lots of AO1 but not answering the question (weak AO2).
• Quoting scholars without explaining how they change the conclusion.
• Vague ethics applications — keep scenarios concrete and theory-led.
• Leaving timed writing until the end of the course.

Related guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours should I study each week to prepare?

Plan for 2–3 focused sessions of 45–60 minutes plus one short retrieval session. Aim for two 25-minute timed essays each week, marked quickly against AO1/AO2.

Do I need GCSE RS or GCSE English before starting?

GCSE RS isn’t required. GCSE/Level 2 English (or equivalent) is strongly recommended because RS is essay-based, but we assess overall readiness and can suggest a short bridge plan if needed.

Should I memorise lots of quotations?

No. Build a small scholar bank with concise paraphrases or short quotes and use them to support or challenge a judgement—quality over quantity.

What essay structure should I use?

Use PEEL/PEACE: Point → Evidence (scholar/source) → Analysis/Application → Counter → Evaluate/Conclude, finishing with a decisive final judgement.