1. 2011 Mark Scheme It is the minimum age for marriage
A1c Explain briefly why many people agree that sixteen should be the legal age of consent for sexual intercourse. 2marks AO1
Mark Scheme
It is the minimum age for marriage
intended to prevent exploitation of younger teenagers
sufficient maturity to cope with a sexual relationship
age you can leave school and get a job implies responsibility at 16
physical maturity

2. OR Specimen Pg 50-51 Mark Scheme Agree God created two sexes
A3b ‘Christians should not have homosexual relationships.’ What do you think? Explain your opinion marks AO2
Pg 50-51
Mark Scheme OR
Agree
God created two sexes
God intended marriage from point of creation (Genesis 2)
sexuality meant for procreation (Genesis 1 and Catechism of Catholic Church)
biologically intended for heterosexual relationships
teaching of natural law that
humanity has single nature and purpose
biblical condemnation of same sex relationships
Other Views
No such thing as everyone having the same nature
sexual relationships the natural and ultimate expression of love between two people, and that may be two of the same sex
biblical teaching contains the insights of human beings not God and out of date
biblical condemnation directed at pagan practices and not at loving relationships

3. 2011
A1d “There is nothing wrong with sex outside marriage.” marks AO2 Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have thought about more than one point of view.
Mark Scheme
Pg 48, 52-53
Agree
People can have loving relationships without being married to one another
Effective contraception minimises need for abortion or birth of unwanted baby
social conditions mean that people marry much later and unreasonable to expect them to abstain from sex
same-sex couples can’t get married
Old Testament laws allow for possibility of sex before marriage and Jesus said nothing about pre-marital sex
Paul’s teaching was the result of his particular outlook and a reaction to the extreme promiscuity of the 1st century Mediterranean world
Other Views
The Bible makes it clear that marriage is the intended context for sexual relationships
Paul’s teaching is still relevant in our permissive western society
risk of hurt and exploitation in extra-marital relationships
only marriage provides the commitment needed for a sexual relationship to achieve its deepest meaning
results in unwanted pregnancy and spread of STIs
adultery is act of betrayal
’do not commit adultery’
body a ‘temple of the Holy Spirit’ and to be treated as such
to treat body in self controlled and honourable way and not out of lust

4. A1a Explain briefly what is meant by adultery. 2 marks AO1
2010
2004
A1a Explain briefly what is meant by adultery. 2 marks AO1
2010
Mark Scheme
Pg 53
1mark for a simple explanation e.g.
Extra marital sexual relationship [sex outside marriage] when one or both partners are married to someone else.
It is when a married person has an affair.
2marks for a full explanation e.g.
Consenting sexual relationship outside marriage where at least one of the couple is already married to someone else.

5. A1b Explain why Christians think that adultery is wrong. 3 marks AO1
2010
2004
A1b Explain why Christians think that adultery is wrong. 3 marks AO1
2010
Mark Scheme
Pg 53
Breaks the 7th commandment, “You shall not commit adultery”
is sinful
breaks the marriage vows made before God e.g. the promise to be faithful etc
the hurt caused
sense of betrayal
Undermines / loss of trust in marriage
It can destroy family life

6. A4b Explain Christian attitudes to contraception. 3 marks AO1
2010
A4b Explain Christian attitudes to contraception. 3 marks AO1
Textbook
Pg 54-55
Mark Scheme
Roman Catholic view that procreation is central to sexual relationship
view of other Christians that contraception may be a responsible decision in some situations
To prevent transmission of genetic condition, HIV, etc.
woman’s life might be endangered by pregnancy
views of all Churches that sex meant for marriage, but many Christians would see ‘safe sex’ as the responsible approach in a relationship outside marriage.

7. Specimen Mark Scheme Agree
A3d “Teenagers under 16 years of age should not be given contraception” 6marks AO2 Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have thought about more than one point of view.
Pg 49, 54-55
Mark Scheme
Agree
Encouragement of sexual promiscuity and experimentation which is counter to Christian teaching
the Bible teaches the importance of obeying the law, and the age of legal consent is 16 years
according to Church teaching sexual relationships should be within marriage and this not possible before 16 years of age
increases risk of emotional damage
Other Views
In the past and in other countries, those under 16 are seen as old enough for having sexual relationships, so teenagers should be able to decide for themselves about sexual activity and the need for contraception
refusal to give contraception could lead to STIs, unwanted pregnancy, abortion (which many Christians oppose)
Church teaching out of date in modern society
if a young teenager intends to be sexually active, giving contraception is the responsible and most loving thing to do

8. C9a Explain Christian teachings about sexual relationships. 6marks AO1
2009
C9a Explain Christian teachings about sexual relationships marks AO1
sex is seen as a gift from God and therefore should not be devalued by casual sexual relationships,
sex is the means of strengthening the bond between husband and wife in marriage,
it is for procreation (reference to Roman Catholic views are acceptable) and expression of love and commitment.
Casual sex, premarital and extra-marital sex are regarded as wrong.
Heterosexual relationships are regarded as the norm.
Candidates may make reference to same sex relationships and should be given credit as appropriate.