Course information
3 - Philosophy HL
The Rochester Grammar School - Medway
03333602120
Maidstone Road, Rochester, ME1 3BY
Course summary

Why study Philosophy? The most important reason to study Philosophy is that it is a fascinating subject. All of us have to face questions about right and wrong; life and death; about what we can believe, and what we should be sceptical about. Philosophy will help you ask these questions well. Philosophy is also a practical subject, and you will develop life skills prized by universities and employers. You will learn how to think and write clearly, how to spot a bad argument, and how to make a good one. These skills are invaluable in careers such as law, medicine, journalism, and science. Philosophy will give you a deeper perspective on your other IB subjects. For example, in English, your study of ethics might help you analyse the qualities that make a character in a novel heroic or villainous. Similarly, students who study Philosophy tell us that they have a much deeper understanding of the issues raised in the core TOK course.

Entry requirements

GCSE Grade 6 in English Literature or English Language or a Humanity.

How you'll be assessed

External Assessment: Paper 1 – 2 hours 30 minutes exam – 40% Being Human (core theme): As for Standard Level Optional Theme 1: Ethics As for Standard Level Optional Theme 2: Philosophy of Religion This paper asks questions about God and the supernatural, such as “Does God exist”; and “Are miracles real?” as well as investigating contrasting perspectives of atheism and humanism. We also consider how mediums, such as technology, have changed religion. Paper 2 – 1 hour exam – 20% Study of Descartes’ Meditations As for Standard Level Paper 3 – 1 hour exam – 20% Exploring Philosophical Activity In this exam, students reflect on the nature, methods, and purpose of philosophy. Internal Assessment (Coursework) – 20% Students choose a piece of culture, such as a poem, film, or painting, and analyse it philosophically. Students’ choices have included everything from Munch’s The Scream to Star Wars!

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionSouth East
Local AuthorityMedway
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender TypeGirls
AddressMaidstone Road, Rochester, ME1 3BY