Syllabus Cambridge International A Level Hinduism 9014 For examination in November 2020. Version 2 Changes to the syllabus for 2020 The syllabus has been updated. The latest syllabus is version 2, published November 2017. There are no significant changes which affect teaching. • The front cover of this syllabus has been updated, there are no other changes to this syllabus. The new image provides a consistent visual identity to all our A Level Religious Studies subjects. You are strongly advised to read the whole syllabus before planning your teaching programme. Any textbooks endorsed to support the syllabus for examination from 2016 are still suitable for use with this syllabus. Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which itself is a department of the University of Cambridge. UCLES retains the copyright on all its publications. Registered centres are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own internal use. However, we cannot give permission to centres to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within a centre. Contents Introduction ..........................................................................................................................2 Why choose Cambridge Assessment International Education? Why Cambridge International AS & A Levels? Why Cambridge International A Level Hinduism? Teacher support 1 Assessment at a glance .................................................................................................7 2 Syllabus aims and assessment objectives .....................................................................8 2.1 Syllabus aims 2.2 Assessment objectives 3 Syllabus content .............................................................................................................9 4 Other information .........................................................................................................12 Equality and inclusion Language Grading and reporting Exam administration Introduction Cambridge International A Level Hinduism 9014 syllabus. Introduction Syllabus for examination in 2020. Why choose Cambridge Assessment International Education? Cambridge Assessment International Education prepares school students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. We are part of the University of Cambridge. Our international qualifications are recognised by the world’s best universities and employers, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career. As a not-for-profit organisation, we devote our resources to delivering high-quality educational programmes that can unlock learners’ potential. Our programmes and qualifications set the global standard for international education. They are created by subject experts, rooted in academic rigour and reflect the latest educational research. They provide a strong platform for students to progress from one stage to the next, and are well supported by teaching and learning resources. Every year, nearly a million Cambridge learners from 10 000 schools in 160 countries prepare for their future with an international education from Cambridge International. Cambridge learners Our mission is to provide educational benefit through provision of international programmes and qualifications for school education and to be the world leader in this field. Together with schools, we develop Cambridge learners who are: • confident in working with information and ideas – their own and those of others • responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others • reflective as learners, developing their ability to learn • innovative and equipped for new and future challenges • engaged intellectually and socially ready to make a difference. C onfident d e g a g n Cambridge E learner Learn more about the Cambridge learner attributes in Chapter 2 of our Implementing the curriculum with Cambridge guide at www.cambridgeinternational.org/curriculumguide 2 www.cambridgeinternational.org/alevel Back to contents page Introduction Cambridge International A Level Hinduism 9014 syllabus. Introduction Syllabus for examination in 2020. Why Cambridge International AS & A Levels? Cambridge International AS & A Levels are international in outlook, but retain a local relevance. The syllabuses provide opportunities for contextualised learning and the content has been created to suit a wide variety of schools, avoid cultural bias and develop essential lifelong skills, including creative thinking and problem-solving. Our aim is to balance knowledge, understanding and skills in our qualifications to enable students to become effective learners and to provide a solid foundation for their continuing educational journey. Cambridge International AS & A Levels give students building blocks for an individualised curriculum that develops their knowledge, understanding and skills. Cambridge International AS & A Level curricula are flexible. It is possible to offer almost any combination from a wide range of subjects. Cambridge International A Level is typically a two-year course, and Cambridge International AS Level is typically one year. Some subjects can be started as a Cambridge International AS Level and extended to a Cambridge International A Level. There are three possible assessment approaches for Cambridge International AS & A Level: Option two Option three Cambridge International Y A Level ea r Option one (remainder of A Level) Cambridge 2 International Cambridge International Cambridge International A Level Y e AS Level AS Level a r (standalone AS) (AS is first half of A Level) 1 Students take the Cambridge Students take the Cambridge Students take all papers of the International AS Level only. The International AS Level in Year 1 and Cambridge International A Level course syllabus content for Cambridge in Year 2 complete the Cambridge in the same examination series, usually International AS Level is half International A Level. at the end of the second year of study. of a Cambridge International A Level programme. Every year thousands of students with Cambridge International AS & A Levels gain places at leading universities worldwide. Cambridge International AS & A Levels are accepted across 195 countries. They are valued by top universities around the world including those in the UK, US (including Ivy League universities), European nations, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Learners should check the university website for specific entry requirements before applying. Did you know? In some countries universities accept Cambridge International AS Levels in their own right as qualifications counting towards entry to courses in the same or other related subjects. Many students who take Cambridge International AS Levels also choose to progress to Cambridge International A Level. Learn more For more details go to www.cambridgeinternational.org/recognition Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/alevel 3 Introduction Cambridge International A Level Hinduism 9014 syllabus. Introduction Syllabus for examination in 2020. Why Cambridge International A Level Hinduism? Cambridge International A Level Hinduism candidates gain lifelong skills and knowledge. Through their study of this syllabus, they develop an enquiring and critical approach to the study of fundamental questions of religious practices, beliefs, morality and interpretations. Candidates gain an understanding of the religious writings, history and current affairs of Hinduism. About the syllabus The A Level Hinduism syllabus encourages candidates to develop an awareness of Hinduism as a religious, philosophical, ethical and spiritual actuality. The syllabus is the study of fundamental questions of religious practices, beliefs, morality and interpretations found within Hinduism. This is explored through the study of The Vedic and Epic Age, The Medieval and The Modern Age of Hinduism. The syllabus explores Hindu Darshanas, Non-Vedic systems in relation to Hinduism, Hindu Devotion and Ethics. Guided learning hours Guided learning hours give an indication of the amount of contact time teachers need to have with learners to deliver a particular course. Our syllabuses are designed around 180 guided learning hours for Cambridge International AS Level, and around 360 guided learning hours for Cambridge International A Level. These figures are for guidance only. The number of hours needed to gain the qualification may vary depending on local practice and the learners’ previous experience of the subject. Prior learning Candidates beginning this course are not expected to have studied Hinduism or Religious Studies previously. Progression Cambridge International A Level Hinduism provides a suitable foundation for the study of Hinduism, Religious Studies or related courses in higher education. Depending on local university entrance requirements, the qualification may permit or assist progression directly to university courses in some other subjects. We recommend learners check the Cambridge recognitions database and the university websites to find the most up-to-date entry requirements for courses they wish to study. How can I find out more? If you are already a Cambridge school You can make entries for this qualification through your usual channels. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] If you are not yet a Cambridge school Learn more about the benefits of becoming a Cambridge school from our website at www.cambridgeinternational.org/startcambridge Email us at [email protected] to find out how your organisation can register to become a Cambridge school. 4 www.cambridgeinternational.org/alevel Back to contents page Introduction Cambridge International A Level Hinduism 9014 syllabus. Introduction Syllabus for examination in 2020. Cambridge AICE Cambridge AICE Diploma is the group award of the Cambridge International AS & A Level. It gives schools the opportunity to benefit from offering a broad and balanced curriculum by recognising the achievements of candidates who pass examinations from different curriculum groups. Learn more For more details go to www.cambridgeinternational.org/aice Our research has shown that students who came to the university with a Cambridge AICE background performed better than anyone else that came to the university. That really wasn’t surprising considering the emphasis they have on critical research and analysis, and that’s what we require at university. John Barnhill, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management, Florida State University, USA Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/alevel 5 Introduction Cambridge International A Level Hinduism 9014 syllabus. Introduction Syllabus for examination in 2020. Teacher support We offer a wide range of practical and innovative support to help teachers plan and deliver our programmes and qualifications confidently. The support package for our Cambridge International AS & A Levels gives teachers access to a worldwide teaching community enabling them to connect with other teachers, swap ideas and share best practice. Teaching and learning Exam preparation • Support materials provide teachers with ideas and • Past question papers and mark schemes so planning resources for their lessons. teachers can give learners the opportunity to practise answering different questions. • Endorsed textbooks, ebooks and digital resources are produced by leading publishers. We have • Example candidate responses help teachers quality checked these materials to make sure they understand exactly what examiners are looking for. provide a high level of support for teachers and • Principal examiner reports describing learners’ learners. overall performance on each part of the papers. • Resource lists to help support teaching, The reports give insight into common including textbooks and websites. misconceptions shown by learners, which teachers can address in lessons. Cambridge International AS & A Level support for Professional development teachers Learn more Face-to-face training Find out more about support for this syllabus We hold workshops around the world to support at www.cambridgeinternational.org/alevel teachers in delivering Cambridge syllabuses and Visit our online resource bank and discussion forum developing their skills. at www.cambridgeinternational.org/support Online training You can find useful information, as well as share We offer self-study and tutor-led online training your ideas and experiences with other teachers, on courses via our virtual learning environment. A our social media channels and community forums. wide range of syllabus-specific courses and skills courses is available. We also offer training via Find out more at video conference and webinars. www.cambridgeinternational.org/social-media Qualifications We offer a wide range of practice-based qualifications at Certificate and Diploma level, providing a framework for continuing professional development. 6 www.cambridgeinternational.org/alevel Back to contents page Cambridge International A Level Hinduism 9014 syllabus. Assessment at a glance Syllabus for examination in 2020. 1 Assessment at a glance Candidates take two papers. Candidates offering Hinduism at Cambridge International A Level (9014) take Papers 1 and 2. Paper 1 is the same as the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level (8058). Results in the Cambridge International AS Level may not be carried over to the A Level. Paper 1 3 hours Weighting This paper consists of four sections – A, B, C and D. Each section contains at least 50% three questions. Candidates must answer five questions – at least one from each section. Paper 2 3 hours Weighting This paper consists of four sections – A, B, C and D. Each section contains at least 50% three questions. Candidates must answer five questions – at least one from each section. Availability This syllabus is examined in the November examination series. This syllabus is available to private candidates. Detailed timetables are available from www.cambridgeinternational.org/timetables All Cambridge schools are allocated to one of six administrative zones. Each zone has a specific timetable. From 2020 this syllabus is not available in all administrative zones. To find out about availability visit the syllabus at www.cambridgeinternational.org/olevel Combining this with other syllabuses Candidates can combine this syllabus in an examination series with any other Cambridge International syllabus, except: • Cambridge International AS Level Hinduism (8058) • syllabuses with the same title at the same level. Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/alevel 7 Cambridge International A Level Hinduism 9014 syllabus. Syllabus aims and assessment objectives Syllabus for examination in 2020. 2 Syllabus aims and assessment objectives 2.1 Syllabus aims The aims of this syllabus are to motivate candidates to develop an enquiring and critical approach to the study of fundamental questions of religious practices, beliefs, morality and interpretations and to explore such issues within the context of a religious tradition or traditions. To do this, candidates will be required to gain some understanding of the religious writings, history and current affairs of Hinduism and be able to think and argue intelligently about the subject. 2.2 Assessment objectives The examination will test the candidate’s: (a) Knowledge of the topics and specified texts. [60%] (b) Understanding of the meaning and significance of the material studied. [25%] (c) Ability to express himself/herself explicitly, logically and critically in any argument. [15%] 8 www.cambridgeinternational.org/alevel Back to contents page