Philosophy & Ethics (RS)

To apply to Notre Dame High School Norwich's Sixth Form, please go to https://www.ndhs.org.uk/sixth-form and click on How to Apply. The application process opens in October.

Religious Studies (also known as Philosophy, Ethics & Developments in Christian Thought) is a fascinating subject at A level. It explores some of the most fundamental questions about life and helps you sharpen your skills in critical thinking, debate and persuasive writing – all skills which will be of great benefit to you in later life, whether you move on to higher education or the world of work.

The subject is essay based and requires a commitment to independent reading and research; working through often complex issues and being able to write persuasively, with reference to wider scholars and original texts.

Philosophy of Religion starts with a study of Ancient Greek thinking about the nature of existence, through the Middle Ages to modern arguments for and against the existence of God.

Ethics considers a variety of approaches to ethical reasoning and applies these theories to a range of practical situations.

Developments in Christian Thought is Christian theology and explores religion from the inside, using the methods, language and view of the world from the insider’s perspective.

Always relevant, the subject disciplines are suited to careers which demand attention to detail, empathy with other people’s views and the ability to argue fluently. People with qualifications in Religious Studies go on to a wide range of careers, such as law, the police and social services, health care professions, teaching, politics, and journalism.

Why our students like this course

'An extremely beneficial A Level, as it hones and sharpens your analytical skills. It challenges you to evaluate your previously held assumptions and ideas by introducing you to contrasting arguments from great thinkers from different eras. It also enables you to gain insight into what motivates people to think and act as they do. It provides the opportunity to question the integrity of one’s own values and actions and so develop objective critical thinking.'

GCSE’s in Religious Studies or Philosophy and Ethics are valuable but not essential. No religious beliefs are required, in fact a range of beliefs enhance the quality of discussion in the lessons.

To apply for a place at Notre Dame Sixth Form, please follow the instructions on the How to Apply page of the Sixth Form section of the Notre Dame High School website (http://www.ndhs.org.uk)

This subject is very well thought of by universities. Students often study the A Level alongside History, Politics, Sociology and English. Those studying sciences find Philosophy and Ethics adds support written and verbal communication. Students can go on to study Philosophy or Theology at university and will benefit from it in medicine, law, education and politics.