In years 12 and 13 Philosophy & Ethics RS AS and A2 level is offered.

The department is resourced with specialist books, videos, slides and artefacts. There are also reference facilities and a religious studies section in the library. The department promotes a wide variety of learning experiences. These include discussion, philosophy for children, ICT, project work, pair work, group work, role play and visiting places of religious significance. The school’s information technology facilities are utilised and students are encouraged, where appropriate, to produce word processed assignments.

Course Content

Three modules are followed:

OCR AS GCE Philosophy of Religion G571 and Religious Ethics G572
OCR A2 GCE Philosophy of Religion G581 and Religious Ethics G582

Coursework

Learning Methods and Assessment

Learning methods include investigative research work, audio-visual and computer based work, paired and group work, discussion sessions and also teacher-led lessons. Students receive regular set essays throughout the course. Some of these are set as homework, others are timed essays in lessons and end of module tests. This develops students’ skills in reading examination questions, assessing what the questions requires of them and teaches them to complete the task in the time set. Feedback is given to students to help improve their skills. Students are expected to read extensively. This will enable them to develop their arguments and to participate in oral work in lessons.

The two modules at AS will be externally examined. MODULE 1, G571 will be examined in January and G572 will be examined in the summer term.At A2 there are also 2 modules. G581 will be examined in January and G582 in the summer term.

All assessment is by written examination.

Resources

Clubs/Activities

Expectations of Students

Students will be required to attend all lessons and to prepare for them as directed. As well as on going note making they will be asked to write detailed essays, critically assess view points and analyse academic texts. Students need to be interested in the topics studied and to be self motivated.

Careers Implications

Philosophy and Ethics provides an excellent grounding for further study in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, Law, Medicine, Education, History, Journalism, Sociology, Cultural Studies, Theology, Business and Management. The subject enables students to develop skills of evaluation, analysis and critical thinking while encouraging independent thought. Philosophy and Ethics also provides a good opportunity for students to improve speaking and listening skills which will benefit any further study.

Revision Links