This course offers a specialist study of the Bible, exploring its historical and philosophical contexts, and developing a deep appreciation of Christian thought and practice. It’s designed to build transferable skills highly valued by universities, including analyzing different perspectives, presenting coherent arguments, and independent research. You’ll engage with scholarly debates about the Bible and the Christian faith, learning to express and justify your own opinions. No previous study of biblical or religious studies is expected.
Note: This course is only available in the November exam series.
Course Aims
The main goals of this syllabus are to help you:
- Develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of the Bible within its historical context.
- Gain an appreciation of Christian thought, teachings, and practices as recorded in the Bible.
- Engage with scholarly debates and learn to articulate and justify your own views.
- Adopt a reflective and enquiring approach that provides a solid foundation for further study in fields like theology or philosophy.
Curriculum Content
The course is divided into four papers, with two at the AS Level and two at the A Level. All Bible passages for the exam are taken from the New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised (NRSVA).
AS Level Content
- Paper 1: The Four Gospels This paper focuses on the person of Jesus, his teachings, and the passion and resurrection narratives as presented in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
- Paper 2: The Development of Christianity This paper examines the origins and expansion of the early Church as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, the challenges faced by the Christian community in Corinth, and the Church’s position in the Roman world.
A Level Content
The A Level papers build on the skills and knowledge from the AS Level.
- Paper 3: Prophets of the Old Testament This paper explores the nature of Israelite prophecy, the roles of early prophets like Samuel and Elijah, and the involvement of prophets like Amos and Jeremiah in times of national crisis and reconstruction.
- Paper 4: Christian Understandings of God, Life and the Universe This paper delves into major theological questions, referencing the Bible to explore beliefs about creation, environmental responsibilities, death and salvation, and responses to the problem of evil and suffering.
Assessment Structure ✍️
You can take this course via three routes: AS Level only, a staged A Level over two years, or the full A Level in one exam series.
AS Level Assessment (50% of A Level)
- Paper 1: The Four Gospels
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Marks: 50
- Format: Consists of short passage questions, one compulsory longer passage question, and a choice of one structured question.
- Paper 2: The Development of Christianity
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Marks: 50
- Format: You’ll answer two structured questions, choosing one from two options in each of the two sections.
A Level Assessment (Completes the full A Level)
- Paper 3: Prophets of the Old Testament
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Marks: 50
- Format: Includes short passage questions, one compulsory longer passage question, and a choice of one essay question.
- Paper 4: Christian Understandings of God, Life and the Universe
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Marks: 50
- Format: You’ll answer two essay questions from a choice of three.