Religious Studies
Course summary
WHY STUDY THIS COURSE? A Level Philosophy hones many skills such analysis and an ability to construct coherent arguments. This will support your essay writing across all your other A-Level and university assignments. The subject is highly appreciated by employers as it shows critical thinking and problem solving and develops important universal skills of criticality, evaluation, questioning and debating. Philosophy is the grounding of many key knowledge bases in different subject areas such as Science, Politics, Maths, History and Technology and offers introspection on your own beliefs, values, ethics and bias. COURSE DESCRIPTION The course is split into 3 two-hour long exams worth 40 marks. One paper is Philosophy, one Ethics and one is Religious. A range of topics are covered including euthanasia, business ethics, the problem of evil, arguments for God’s existence, liberation theology and many more. In Philosophy of religion, you will study philosophical issues and questions raised by religion and belief. These include arguments regarding the existence or nonexistence of God, the nature and influence of religious experience and the problems of evil and suffering. You will also explore philosophical language and thought, through significant concepts and the works of key thinkers, illustrated in issues or debates in the philosophy of religion. Key thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle and Descartes will be explored. Religion and ethics is characterised by the study of ethical language and thought, with exploration of key concepts and the works of influential thinkers. Ethical theory will also be applied to issues of importance; namely euthanasia, business ethics, and sexual ethics. Key thinkers such as Bentham, Aquinas and Kant will be explored. Developments in Christian Thought provides an opportunity for the systematic study of one religious tradition. This will include the exploration of religious beliefs, values, teachings and practices that shape religious identity, as well as sources of wisdom and authority. Also, central are the ways in which religious traditions have developed over time, and religious responses to challenges and significant contemporary social issues. Key thinkers such as St Augustine, Bonhoeffer and Ruether will be explored.
Entry Requirements
Checked against your grades — every rule traces to the school's published source.
| Requirement | Rule | You |
|---|---|---|
English Literature | Grade 6 in English Literature | — |
Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics) | Grade 6 in Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics) | — |
English Language | Grade 6 in English Language | — |
As published by the school
Grade 6 or above in GCSE RE and English
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Assessment
Pupils are leveled at the end of each half term. It is expected that all pupils continually progress in order to reach or exceed their target grade. The RE department regularly monitors and offers relevant help to those who are struggling. Assessments are rigorous and regularly modified in line with expectations and changes to the Religious Education curriculum.
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