9488 AS & A Level Islamic Studies Scheme of work 2021

The 9488 AS & A Level Islamic Studies Scheme of Work 2021 is designed to help teachers plan and deliver the Cambridge International AS & A Level Islamic Studies course. The original 2021 scheme of work was produced for the syllabus for examination from 2021 and provides structured guidance for covering the required content.

The resource is organised around the individual examination papers and syllabus units. It connects learning objectives and key concepts with suggested classroom activities, independent research, discussion tasks, extension activities, and relevant resources.

Paper 1 – Islamic Beliefs and Practices

The Paper 1 scheme of work includes areas such as:

• Qur’an and Hadith
• Main Islamic beliefs
• Tawhid and belief in one God
• Prophethood and messengers
• Angels
• Islamic practices and ceremonies
• Set Hadith texts and their teachings

For example, the scheme suggests research activities and tree diagrams for analysing the main teachings of selected Hadith and considering how those teachings may influence Muslim behaviour today.

Paper 2 – Islamic Law, Rules and Concepts

The teaching guidance supports study of Islamic law and related concepts through structured classroom activities, discussion, research, and application of Islamic teachings to different situations.

Paper 3 – The Life and Importance of the Prophet Muhammad

The scheme supports study of the Prophet Muhammad’s life, teachings, leadership, and significance, encouraging learners to connect historical knowledge with its importance for Muslims.

Paper 4 – Contemporary Islamic Issues

The Paper 4 scheme provides structured teaching guidance for contemporary issues and encourages students to investigate different perspectives and develop reasoned responses. A Cambridge scheme of work for Paper 4 is specifically identified as “For examination from 2021”.

Teaching and Learning Activities

The resource includes a variety of suggested approaches, including:

• Independent research
• Brainstorming diagrams
• Group activities
• Jigsaw activities
• Classroom discussions
• Written evaluation
• Extension research
• Preparation using specimen questions
• Application of Islamic teachings to contemporary situations.

The scheme also links activities to Assessment Objectives (AO1 and AO2), helping teachers balance knowledge and understanding with analysis, application, and evaluation.

Specimen Assessment Support

The 2021 scheme of work was designed alongside the specimen assessment materials. Cambridge’s specimen resources include Specimen Papers 1–4 and corresponding Specimen Mark Schemes 1–4 for the syllabus introduced from 2021.

This makes the scheme useful for connecting classroom teaching with the actual examination requirements.

For complete preparation, students and teachers can use the 9488 AS & A Level Islamic Studies Specimen Scheme of Work 2021 alongside the Syllabus Document, Specimen Question Papers, Specimen Mark Schemes, Question Papers, Mark Schemes, Examiner Reports, and Grade Thresholds.