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1 hij Teacher Resource Bank GCE Religious Studies Unit D Religion, Philosophy and Science Example of Candidate s Work from the January 2009 Examination Candidate C 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 ) and a registered charity (registered charity number ). Registered address: AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX. Dr Michael Cresswell, Director General.

2 2009 (January) Unit D Religion, Philosophy and Science Example of Candidate s Work from the Examination Candidate C 1 2 (a) Explain scientific theories about the nature and origin of the universe. Candidate Response (30 marks) AO1

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4 3 Commentary AO1 (30 marks) Approximately 25 minutes can be allocated to answering this question, including thinking time. This answer correctly identifies the Big Bang theory and the key pieces of evidence which are usually cited in support. The explanation for each piece of evidence is satisfactory but some elements are not clearly expressed. There is mention of the Steady State theory which cannot be relevant to the question of the origin of the universe since this theory argues that the universe has no beginning. It is potentially relevant, however, in the discussion about the nature of the universe but, here, the candidate has not made that connection. There are no further comments on the nature of the universe so the candidate has restricted the marking to a maximum of 17. Level 4 (17 marks)

5 4 (b) To what extent do scientific theories about the nature and origin of the universe conflict with religious beliefs about creation? (15 marks) AO2 Candidate Response

6 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. The candidate sets up the answer nicely with a clear reference to what kind of religious view to consider. A clear debate is considered and there is good understanding of the main issues. The candidate has gone beyond setting out the terms of the discussion with the comment I would say that the conflict is relatively minimal and has explained why this conclusion is justified in a simple but quite effective manner. Level 5 (10 marks)

7 6 4 (a) Explain how the development of quantum mechanics has changed the way some scientists view reality. (30 marks) AO1 Candidate Response

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9 8 Commentary AO1 (30 marks) Approximately 25 minutes can be allocated to answering this question, including thinking time. Many elements of quantum mechanics are discussed here. The candidate has chosen to explain these with reference to the relevant scholars. The flow of the material is satisfactory and, even though not all the elements knit together perfectly within the answer, it is clear that the grasp of this material goes beyond the description of generally satisfactory found in Level 5. The candidate has also clearly understood the precise demands of the question how quantum mechanics challenges existing science because it is the quotation from Einstein which gets the discussion going. A good attempt to deal with a demanding part of the Specification. Level 6 (24 marks)

10 9 (b) The science of quantum mechanics makes religious belief more credible. Assess this view. (15 marks) AO2 Candidate Response

11 10 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. There is a lightness of touch here. The candidate has learned about the links with religion and mystical traditions and appears to have a bird s eye view of the whole debate. There is no lack of personal analysis both explicitly in the final paragraph and implicitly through the choice of material and its placement within the answer. A little more consideration of the word credible would have ensured the top marks. Level 6 (13 marks)