Philosophy and Ethics A level

For entry into the Sixth Form to study 3 A' Levels, students are required to achieve 5 grades at 9-5 (or where applicable A*-C) including English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4 or above.

In exceptional cases, students that do not reach the entry criteria based on their attainment in English or mathematics will be admitted to the 6th form with the addition of GCSE retake classes in the appropriate subject to their timetable. This based on 6th form discretion.

While we would encourage students to study 3 A levels, in exceptional cases and following conversation at interview we may support a student to study 4. All students will have the option to study for Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A levels.

A grade 6 is recommended in any subject that a student wishes to continue at A Level. Students are welcome to discuss entry criteria for specific subjects and to ensure that their subject choices match their goals and aspirations.

Students wishing to study Mathematics require a grade 6 and in Further Maths require a Grade 7 in the subject at GCSE.

Course Details

Philosophy & Ethics will tackle issues in the world around us and open your mind to new and exciting ways of thinking. The course will challenge preconceptions and alow you to analyse a range of beliefs and arguements through various debates, articles and discussions. The aims of the course are to allow you to explore the way you think and to enable you to challenge your own views and the views of others, including a specific study of religion.

You will need to have an enquirying and alert mind that is eager and willing fto explore and challenge ideas in all forms. The course is split over 3 areas: Philosophy of religion, Religion and Ethics and Study of religion (Judaism).

The A Level is from the exam board Edexel and is examined through 3 x 2hour written exams. All exams are worth 33% and there is no coursework.

Course content details:

Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion
•Design, Cosmological, ontological arguments.
•Nature and influence of Religious Experience
•problems of evil and suffering,
•religious language
•life after death.

Supported by the study of articles such as:
1) Mitchell, B : Evil and Omnipotence
(4) Russell B and Copleston F – The existence of God.

Paper 2: Religion and Ethics:
•Environmental ethics
• equality
•Utilitarianism
• situation ethics
• natural moral law
•war and peace
•sexual ethics
• meta-ethics
•religion and morality
•deontology
• virtue ethics
• medical ethics
Supported by the study of articles such as:
1)Barclay W – Ethics in a Permissive Society,

2)(2) Kant I – Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals

Paper 3: Study of a religion (Judaism)

•Ethical monotheism

•the soul

•life after death

•Jewish values

• sources of authority

•orthodox and reform

•Zionism

•the Holocaust

•Pluralism

•Equality and gender.

Supported by the study of articles such as:

(2) Wiesel E – Night,

(3) Robinson G – Essential Judaism: A Complete Guide to Beliefs, Customs & Rituals,

To complete an A Level in this subject it is necessary to achieve a Grade 5 at GCSE in a similar type of subject, although we strongly advise that students should be looking at achieving at least a Grade 6 at GCSE in a similar type of subject to have a secure platform for entry on to the course.

This A-level allows for a diverse choice of opportunities which include studying law, medicine or the social sciences. It will also support careers in teaching, police, social work, or working in overseas development. Many employers look favourably on candidates who possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to understand and evaluate different cultures and beliefs; this A level certainly provides those skills. The fundamental argument skills, logical techniques and evaluative perspective you will develop is an asset to any profession or choice of further study.