Philosophy and Ethics is a successful and popular subject at A Level, achieving a high percentage pass rate.
Students choosing the A Level should be prepared for an academic subject that challenges their perceptions of religion and moral issues within the modern world.
Through the study of Philosophy and Ethics, students will be equipped with a range of knowledge and skills that will help to make sense of contemporary events.
Courses Offered
Edexcel A Level (9RS0)
Syllabus Breakdown
Paper One: Philosophy of Religion, 2 hour exam, 33.33% of the A level
Philosophical issues and questions; The nature and influence of religious experience; Problems of evil and suffering; Philosophical language; Works of scholars; Influences of developments in religious belief.
Paper Two: Religion and Ethics, 2 hour exam, 33.33% of the A level
Significant concepts in issues or debates in religion and ethics; A study of three ethical theories; Application of ethical theories to issues of importance; Ethical language; Deontology, Virtue Ethics and the works of scholars; Medical ethics: beginning and end of life issues.
Paper Three: A study of Religion: ISLAM 2 hour exam, 33.33% of the A level
Religious beliefs, values and traditions including the six beliefs, the 5 Pillars and the life of Muhammad; Quran, Hadith and the Sunnah; Sunni/Shia split; historical and geographical development of Islam; the Rightly Guided Caliphs; Science; Creation; the relationship between Islam and the Western World; the role of women.
Subject Key Concepts
#1 Beliefs and Practices #2 Sources of Wisdom #3 Symbols and Actions #4 Prayer, Worship and Reflection
#5 Identity and Belonging #6 Ultimate Questions #7 Human Responsibility and Values #8 Justice and Fairness
Please click here for Subject Key Concepts.
Minimum Entry Requirements
All students must meet our general Sixth Form entry requirements of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above. It is not compulsory to have studied GCSE RE to undertake A Level, however a grade 5 or higher must have been achieved if it was taken.
Why Study Ethics & Philosophy?
A Level Philosophy and Ethics is an academic subject valued by universities and employers. Achieving in this qualification shows a high standard of written communication, an understanding of different concepts and theories and the ability to synthesise information.
Many skills are developed by studying this course, particularly communication skills both written and oral; the ability to analyse and evaluate a variety of opinions; and critical thinking.
Wider Opportunities
We aim to provide trips to places of interest and to attend Student Conference Days organised by the exam board.
What Our Students Say:
"I found the subject interesting and varied; I have used and developed a range of skills that has helped across all my other subjects. It has challenged many of my preconceived ideas.”
"Philosophy and Ethics is an incredibly diverse subject which covers so many interesting and enjoyable topics, and you get to see it from the point of view of others. With so many amazing things to look at and discover, it is a subject I would highly recommend.”
"I chose Philosophy and Ethics because I wanted to expand the way I think and to approach things in a more educated way. The subject challenges you to see a variety of both ethical and philosophical issues in not just your own point of view, but from the perspective of others. The subject is also great at developing university level skills, such as essay writing and condensing key information.”
What Can I Do Next?
Studying Philosophy and Ethics shows an ability to discuss social, political, moral, philosophical and religious questions. It also proves the skills of analysing, evaluating and presenting information in a variety of ways. These are all highly valuable attributes, and could be applied to many different career paths, particularly social work, community relations, teaching or the police.
