In order to study Religious Studies at AS or A Level, it is not necessary to possess a GCSE in the subject. In Philosophy and Ethics, we examine some of the deepest questions underlying human existence. Is there an ultimate intelligence behind the universe, and if so, how could we ever know? Why are we here? Is there such a thing as good and evil, right and wrong – or are they just human inventions, to keep people in their place? If there is a God, and God is both good and all-powerful, why is there so much evil in the world? Over the centuries, some of humankind’s greatest thinkers have suggested answers to these questions, and you will be grappling with these answers, as well as (hopefully) suggesting answers of your own. A third of the course is devoted to an examination of Buddhism. Have you ever wanted to know more about the most enduring ideas of China, Japan, Korea or Thailand? If so, a knowledge of Buddhism is arguably indispensable. Is everything in the universe destined to change, and if so, what implications does that have for traditional notions of God and the afterlife? Is there something beyond our present experience that cannot even be spoken of? Is ‘enlightenment’ possible? Is everything in the universe, in some mysterious way, nothing? Can insight into ‘truth’ come about through the systematic contemplation of contradictions? Philosophy and Ethics is an essay-based subject. The teachers have tailor-made a textbook to the exact requirements of the specification, so that note-taking during lesson-time is reduced to a minimum and discussion can range widely. The subject is valued by universities because it develops critical analysis and gives pupils the confidence to deal with the abstract. All modules are examined. UNIT 1 - Weighting 33.3% Philosophy of Religion Arguments for God’s existence; free-will versus determinism; the problem of evil; Ancient Greek thought; ideas about the “soul”; religious experience. What is meant by the word “God”? UNIT 2 - Weighting 33.3% Religion and Ethics What is moral right and wrong? A consideration of the different theories and their limits; what is “conscience”? Business ethics; sexual ethics; What is “natural” for humans? UNIT 3 - Weighting 33.3% Developments in Buddhist Thought Examination of the central theological ideas of Buddhism: meditation, Nirvana, Zen, The Six Realms of the afterlife, Tibetan “mystical” Buddhism, Buddhism in popular culture. Sessions will vary: there will be lecture-style lessons, seminars and small-group discussions. Everyone is encouraged to take an active part.
*Also offered as an AS Level, spaces permitting Subject Requirements - 7 or higher in RS, English or another Humanity at GCSE
About Education Provider
| Region | South East |
| Local Authority | Kent |
| Ofsted Rating | Outstanding |
| Gender Type | Girls |
| Address | Southfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9UJ |
In order to study Religious Studies at AS or A Level, it is not necessary to possess a GCSE in the subject. In Philosophy and Ethics, we examine some of the deepest questions underlying human existence. Is there an ultimate intelligence behind the universe, and if so, how could we ever know? Why are we here? Is there such a thing as good and evil, right and wrong – or are they just human inventions, to keep people in their place? If there is a God, and God is both good and all-powerful, why is there so much evil in the world? Over the centuries, some of humankind’s greatest thinkers have suggested answers to these questions, and you will be grappling with these answers, as well as (hopefully) suggesting answers of your own. A third of the course is devoted to an examination of Buddhism. Have you ever wanted to know more about the most enduring ideas of China, Japan, Korea or Thailand? If so, a knowledge of Buddhism is arguably indispensable. Is everything in the universe destined to change, and if so, what implications does that have for traditional notions of God and the afterlife? Is there something beyond our present experience that cannot even be spoken of? Is ‘enlightenment’ possible? Is everything in the universe, in some mysterious way, nothing? Can insight into ‘truth’ come about through the systematic contemplation of contradictions? Philosophy and Ethics is an essay-based subject. The teachers have tailor-made a textbook to the exact requirements of the specification, so that note-taking during lesson-time is reduced to a minimum and discussion can range widely. The subject is valued by universities because it develops critical analysis and gives pupils the confidence to deal with the abstract. All modules are examined. UNIT 1 - Weighting 33.3% Philosophy of Religion Arguments for God’s existence; free-will versus determinism; the problem of evil; Ancient Greek thought; ideas about the “soul”; religious experience. What is meant by the word “God”? UNIT 2 - Weighting 33.3% Religion and Ethics What is moral right and wrong? A consideration of the different theories and their limits; what is “conscience”? Business ethics; sexual ethics; What is “natural” for humans? UNIT 3 - Weighting 33.3% Developments in Buddhist Thought Examination of the central theological ideas of Buddhism: meditation, Nirvana, Zen, The Six Realms of the afterlife, Tibetan “mystical” Buddhism, Buddhism in popular culture. Sessions will vary: there will be lecture-style lessons, seminars and small-group discussions. Everyone is encouraged to take an active part.
*Also offered as an AS Level, spaces permitting Subject Requirements - 7 or higher in RS, English or another Humanity at GCSE
