hij Teacher Resource Bank GCE Religious Studies Unit H Religion and Contemporary Society Example of Candidate s Work from the January 2009 Examination Candidate B Copyright 2009 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. The Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (company number 3644723) and a registered charity (registered charity number 1073334). Registered address: AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX. Dr Michael Cresswell, Director General.
2009 (January) Unit H Religion and Contemporary Society Example of Candidate s Work from the Examination Candidate B 1 1 (a) Examine changes which took place in the practice of Christianity in the United Kingdom during the 20 th century. (30 marks) AO1 Candidate Response
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3 Commentary AO1 30 marks Approximately 25 minutes can be allocated to answering this question, including thinking time. This answer showed a good understanding of a number of significant ideas here, and was awarded Level 7. The candidate had chosen to start with a particular historical angle on the question, and focus largely on decline, and although this was rather narrower than the mark scheme had envisaged, this was a legitimate response which was able to gain high marks. Good use was made of sources, such as the Tearfund report, and this evidence was brought into the discussion appropriately. CG Brown s book The Death of Christian Britain was also cited. Whilst full marks can be gained without such citations, this candidate appeared to be at ease with his material. There was a little drift here from the main practice to the place of the Church in society, but this was minimal. S/he then went on to talk about some of the new forms of Christian practice, Fresh Expressions and Hillsong. Whilst many other examples could have been cited, these were appropriate and relevant. S/he made appropriate reference as well to the Alpha course, citing figures for participation. The reference to the range of new Churches established was made with good understanding. Level 7 (28 marks)
4 (b) The practice of Christianity has changed because society has changed. Assess how far this is true. (15 marks) AO2 Candidate Response
5 Commentary AO2 15 marks Approximately 12½ minutes, including thinking time, can be allocated to answering this question. Answers to part (b) questions are not expected to be long. This AO2 element was not answered as well as the AO1 element of the question. The candidate starts with an example (Sunday trading, etc.) of the way in which the practice of Christianity has changed because society has changed, but the argument is not developed clearly. S/he then produces a counter argument that society has not changed all that much because a high proportion of people still count themselves to be Christians. The last few lines, giving some of the things which people do on a Sunday other than going to Church, could have been developed into a useful argument. Level 4 (7 marks)
6 3 (a) Examine the ideas of identity and of assimilation with reference to one or more religion(s) you have studied. (30 marks) AO1 Candidate Response
7 Commentary AO1 30 marks Approximately 25 minutes can be allocated to answering this question, including thinking time. This question asked for an examination of the ideas of identity and assimilation. Whilst this candidate makes a number of points which are relevant to the question, there is insufficient direct focus on the key issues. The candidate starts by claiming that many are changing their identity, and whilst this hints at an understanding of the concept of assimilation, there is a lack of clear definition. There is mention of the concept of British identity, which was not strictly relevant to the question. It could have been made relevant, if the candidate had gone on to talk about, for example, being a British Muslim or a British Sikh. There was some discussion of the issues of the Panj Kakke when Sikhs first arrived in Britain, but again, the links to the fundamental issues were not made. The mention of class identity is not strictly relevant to the question unless points about the nature of identity are made more clearly. Some issues of assimilation are mentioned, but without explanation of the concept. Had these points been developed, and links clearly made, a higher mark would have been awarded. Level 4 (15 marks)
8 (b) Assimilation poses a threat to the survival of any religious group. Assess this claim. (15 marks) AO2 Candidate Response
9 Commentary AO2 15 marks Approximately 12½ minutes, including thinking time, can be allocated to answering this question. Answers to part (b) questions are not expected to be long. The candidate starts by giving a number of reasons why people choose to assimilate, and then gives some simple but well chosen reasons why people might or might not assimilate. The final paragraph gives a reasoned conclusion showing some measure of thought about the topic. Whilst this answer takes quite a narrow view of assimilation, in terms of adhering to, or rejecting the outward symbols of a religion, a clear case is made, and the answer was awarded a high Level 4 mark. Level 4 (9 marks)