A Level Philosophy, Ethics & Religion

The course helps to develop a holistic understanding of religion, facilitating enquiry into the purposes and commitments of human life, especially as expressed in philosophy, ethics and religion. Content is relevant to the real world and encourages students to develop an appreciation of religious thought and its contribution to individuals, communities and societies. The nature of the course will also engender an enquiring, critical and empathetic approach and will help them reflect on and develop their own values, opinions and attitudes in the light of all that they learn. It iswithout doubt a great springboard into University life and is consistently recognised as academically rigorous by all Russell Group Universities.

Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion

Learners will study:

• 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

• Ideas about the nature of God

• Issues in religious language

Paper 2: Religion and ethics

Learners will study

: • Normative ethical theories

• The application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance

• Ethical language and thought

• debates surrounding the significant idea of conscience

• Sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious beliefs

Paper 3: Developments in Buddhist thought:

• Buddhist beliefs, values and teachings, their interconnections and how they vary historically and in the contemporary world

• Sources of Buddhist wisdom and authority

• practices which shape and express Buddhist identity, and how these vary in different traditions

• Significant social and historical developments in Buddhist thought • Key themes related to the relationship between Buddhism and society

To join BG6, you must achieve five or more GCSE grades 4 or above. These must include a minimum GCSE grade 4 in English Language or Literature and Mathematics and also meet the specific subject entry requirements for courses you are interested in.

SPECIFIC SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS:

GCSE Grade 5 in English Language and GCSE Grade 5 in RE.

Skills that are developed and nurtured over the two year course and that will help all future opportunities, include research, analysis, presentation skills, critical thinking, the ability to interpret information, formulate questions and solve problems, organisational and time management, team working and communication skills. Jobs directly related to the study of this subject include careers in Education whilst jobs where pursuit of Religious Studies would be useful for future careers include Advice worker, Archivist, Charity Fundraiser, Counsellor, Civil Service Administrator, Community Development Worker, Editor, Newspaper Journalist, Police Officer and Youth Worker.