Philosophy, Ethics and Religious Thought

Students will need to demonstrate an ability to study at least 3 A-level subjects by achieving an average of 38 points over 8 GCSEs with a Grade 4 at least in English and Mathematics. Students should gain a Grade 6 or above in subjects they wish to study at A Level. Points are worked out on the bases that a Grade 9 = 9 points, Grade 8 = 8 points etc.

Please check for subject specific requirements.

Please note, our preferred method of application is via https://wymondhamhigh.applicaa.com/year12

IF YOU WANT TO BE challenged to look at the world from new and exciting perspectives... to pit your wits against philosophical and ethical arguments which have their origins in ancient Greek philosophy...consider and debate some of the most pressing questions mankind faces... if you do, DO Philosophy, Ethics and Religious Thought!

This course is an objective and academic study of ethical and philosophical questions, and the secular and religious responses to those issues. The nature and content of this course means that it combines well both with the Humanities subjects such as Sociology, Geography, History
and English as well as with Science subjects such as Biology and Physics.
The course is suitable for students of any religious background or none. It is not necessary to have studied Religious Education at GCSE in order to follow this course.

Candidates who wish to follow this course should have an interest in
finding out about the world in which they live and in understanding
people. They need a willingness to consider, analyse and reflect on issues
of human concern. The ability to communicate ideas both orally and in
writing and to be able to offer and sustain a critical line of argument is
also important.

COURSE CONTENT

PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION (H573/01) 33.3%
• Ancient philosophical influences (Plato & Aristotle)
• The nature of soul, mind and body • Arguments about the existence or non-existence of God
• The nature and impact of religious experience
• The challenge for religious belief of the problem of evil
• Religious language
• The nature of God

RELIGIOUS ETHICS (H573/02) 33.3%
• Normative ethical theories
• The application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues
• Ethical language and thought
• Debates surrounding the significant ideas of conscience
• Sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious belief

DEVELOPMENTS IN RELIGIOUS THOUGHT (H573/03) 33.3%
Insight: Augustine’s teaching on human nature Death and afterlife

Foundations: Knowledge of God’s existence The person of Jesus Christ

Living: Christian moral principles Christian moral action

Development: Religious pluralism and theology Religious pluralism and society

Society: Gender and society Gender and theology

Challenges: The challenge of secularism Liberation Theology and Marx

ASSESSMENT: Students will complete three 2 hour examinations at the end of Year 13.

There is no specific requirement to study GCSE Religious Education to take this course.

Religious Education is accepted as a good academic
qualification when applying for courses in higher
education. The study requires a great deal of
philosophical thought which is an excellent
preparation for many university courses.
It is a useful discipline for anyone who wishes to
work closely with people in careers like medicine,
social work or teaching. The philosophical and
ethical nature of this course means that it is
popular with anyone considering legal work,
journalism, broadcasting, the police or the
armed forces.