The Student Room Group

A level religious studies

Hi I’m currently doing aqa a level re im stuck on C’s right now but honestly feeling so unmotivated because I’m really uninterested in the subject. The grade boundaries are ridiculously high and I don’t get support from teachers. I’m stuck on memorising content and time management. Any tips?
I want to study politics at Manchester so I need an A or at least a B
Also any predictions for 2025??

Reply 1

I don't do RS, but what i did for Geo (i hate essays) was do past paper questions. One question a day. I focussed on 12 and 20-mark questions. Then focus on the content i realised i didn't know/am weak on

Reply 2

Original post by AhsokaTano-
I don't do RS, but what i did for Geo (i hate essays) was do past paper questions. One question a day. I focussed on 12 and 20-mark questions. Then focus on the content i realised i didn't know/am weak on

how were you able to keep in all the information? because for rs we have 31 topics and need to know arguments for and against and main premises so pretty much everything

Reply 3

Original post by demonic-roach
Hi I’m currently doing aqa a level re im stuck on C’s right now but honestly feeling so unmotivated because I’m really uninterested in the subject. The grade boundaries are ridiculously high and I don’t get support from teachers. I’m stuck on memorising content and time management. Any tips?
I want to study politics at Manchester so I need an A or at least a B
Also any predictions for 2025??

Hey, I am literally in the same boat right now, however I am trying to get my B up to an A. I’d say flashcards are going to be your best friends, make them for the topics you struggle on the most. I make three for each topics : 1) Key words and Definitions 2) Basic premise of the theory 3) Strengths and Weaknesses. If you don't like flashcards then the use the FEYMAN technique and basically record yourself explaining as much of the theory out loud, get your notes and rewatch it, writing down anything you didn’t say and repeat. Hope that helps !

Reply 4

Original post by demonic-roach
how were you able to keep in all the information? because for rs we have 31 topics and need to know arguments for and against and main premises so pretty much everything

In the mornings (weekends/holidays/study leave) i did exam questions timed. I marked it (lwk used ChatGPT) and then after i finish questions for all 3 subjects, I used seneca and Quizlet for the topic i didn't like.

to retain, just grind Seneca and Quizlet in the afternoon, and do past questions on the units you don't like. Also make notes on the units as well as part of your revision (as well as seneca/quizlet)

Reply 5

Original post by MK1!2
Hey, I am literally in the same boat right now, however I am trying to get my B up to an A. I’d say flashcards are going to be your best friends, make them for the topics you struggle on the most. I make three for each topics : 1) Key words and Definitions 2) Basic premise of the theory 3) Strengths and Weaknesses. If you don't like flashcards then the use the FEYMAN technique and basically record yourself explaining as much of the theory out loud, get your notes and rewatch it, writing down anything you didn’t say and repeat. Hope that helps !

Do you use physical flashcards or apps like Quizlet or gizmo?

Reply 6

Original post by AhsokaTano-
In the mornings (weekends/holidays/study leave) i did exam questions timed. I marked it (lwk used ChatGPT) and then after i finish questions for all 3 subjects, I used seneca and Quizlet for the topic i didn't like.
to retain, just grind Seneca and Quizlet in the afternoon, and do past questions on the units you don't like. Also make notes on the units as well as part of your revision (as well as seneca/quizlet)

I wish I had study leave my school wants me to stay from 8-3 or they’ll call my mum🥲 but thank you!!
Hello there!

First of all, you are not alone. The fact that you are aiming for a B or an A for politics already shows you are committed.

Here are some practical tips that helped me when struggling with a similar situation:

Focus on Understanding, Not Just Memorising: Instead of trying to cram full paragraphs, break topics down into key arguments, scholars, and counterpoints. Use mind maps or flashcards for quick recall, and quiz yourself regularly, active recall works better than rereading.

Time Management Tip: Use the Pomodoro method (25 min work / 5 min break). It’s great for building focus without getting overwhelmed. Use apps like Forest to make it fun and track time.

Watch & Listen: If reading isn't sticking, try YouTube channels or podcasts that break topics down.

Get Peer Support: If your teachers aren’t helping, try revising with friends, or join an online forums, where people share essay plans, resources, and motivation.

Stay Goal-Focused: Keep reminding yourself why you’re doing this. You want to study politics, and this grade is a stepping stone. Print out your uni goal or course page and stick it somewhere visible.


You are clearly trying, even when it’s tough and that’s already a win. With a few strategic steps and a little more support, you are able to do it!

I hope this helps!

Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador

Reply 8

if you dont enjoy a subject one thing that you could do to make a topic more fun and understandable is

1.

go to chat gpt

2.

ask it to explain the topic { } "in accordance with the aqa religious studies spec"

3.

then ask it to explain it in fun terms such as explain the problem of evil in relation to your favorite tv show

then lots of exam questions and flashcards for quotes/ key scholars etc.

Reply 9

Original post by demonic-roach
Hi I’m currently doing aqa a level re im stuck on C’s right now but honestly feeling so unmotivated because I’m really uninterested in the subject. The grade boundaries are ridiculously high and I don’t get support from teachers. I’m stuck on memorising content and time management. Any tips?
I want to study politics at Manchester so I need an A or at least a B
Also any predictions for 2025??

Hey bro I heard something about religion so I jumped over here...

Reply 10

Hi there are you on OCR? If so I can help you!

Reply 11

Original post by TomSight
Hi there are you on OCR? If so I can help you!

Me????

Reply 12

Original post by TomSight
Hi there are you on OCR? If so I can help you!

Hi im on OCR exam board and would appreciate any help I can get

Reply 13

Original post by mbobba
Hi im on OCR exam board and would appreciate any help I can get

Feel free to send me a DM on Tsr i can give tutoring/notes

Reply 14

Original post by TomSight
Feel free to send me a DM on Tsr i can give tutoring/notes

Sorry it won't let me message

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