Learners do not have to be religious to take this A Level, but need to have an appreciation and empathy with other people’s point of view. To do well in this course learners will need to have a genuine interest in this area of study; the willingness to read widely; the ability to think deeply and broadly about the issues raised and to express themself effectively, both verbally and in writing. Following this course will give learners the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of some of the key questions of life and human experience. We will examine a range of social, religious and philosophical issues from a variety of points of view. Learners will develop skills of interpretation, evaluation, analysis and self-expression. As a new course, this A Level can provide learners with a fresh start. It is both intellectually challenging and enjoyable, especially if they value debating controversial issues especially about religious faith and beliefs. The subject allows for an in depth understanding of God’s attributes and his characteristics and an analysis of whether these can co-exist. Learners will develop empathy both verbally and in writing of the need for religion in the modern world, where science claims to have answered many of the ‘Big Questions’. Learners will study topics like: • ancient philosophical influences • the nature of the 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 • sources of religious wisdom and authority • practices which shape and express religious identity, and how these vary within a tradition in the context of one religion chosen from Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism or Hinduism.