Ethics and Philosophy

 

What do students learn in Ethics and Philosophy in Key Stage 4? 

Students will study carefully chosen topics which provide opportunities for discussion of fundamental questions of life, with reference to religions. By evaluating challenging questions, and expressing views using reasoned arguments and religious teachings, students can enhance their capacity and desire to make a positive contribution to debates and decisions in society.

Click on the link to view the full list of topics which are covered in:

Paper 1

Paper 2

Non GCSE Group

 

How will students learn in this course? 

GCSE option group & Non GCSE groups (1 hour per week)

Ethics and philosophy offers students a wide range of learning opportunities and the chance to develop transferable skills. They will learn skills of analysis and evaluation, which are high order thinking skills. They will also have opportunities to develop their skills in debating and putting their opinions across. 

 

How are students assessed in this course?

GCSE option group

During the course we assess students both within each module and by end of module tests. Students also sit whole school PPE’S (Practice Public Examinations also known as mocks or trial exams).

 

Final examinations all taken in the summer of year 11 

Paper 1 – The study of religions; beliefs, teachings and practices

1 hour and 45 minutes exam        50% of the GCSE

Paper 2 – Thematic studies

1 hour and 45 minutes exam        50% of the GCSE

 

Non GCSE groups (1 hour per week)

There are no formal written assessments in this course. 

 

What is the learning sequence?

GCSE option group

Year 10 Year 11
Autumn Term 1 Christianity – Beliefs Islam – Beliefs part 2
Autumn term 2 Christianity – Beliefs Islam – Practices
Spring Term 1 Christianity – Practices Islam – Practices
Spring Term 2 Christianity – Practices Theme B – Religion and Life
Summer Term 1 Theme F – Religion, human rights and social justice. RevisionExams
Summer Term 2 Islam – Beliefs part 1 Exams

* Themes E crime and punishment and D peace and conflict are studied towards the end of year 9 by all students. 

 

Non GCSE groups (1 hour per week)

Year 10 Year 11
Autumn Term 1 Unit 1 – World Poverty  Unit 4 – Existence of God  
Autumn term 2 Unit 2 – Drug abuse Students sit school PPE’S (Practice Public Examinations also known as mocks or trial exams).
Spring Term 1 Unit 3 – Family & relationships  Unit 5 – Animal rights   
Spring Term 2 Students sit school PPE’S (Practice Public Examinations also known as mocks or trial exams). Students sit school PPE’S (Practice Public Examinations also known as mocks or trial exams).
Summer Term 1 Careers lessons  Supervised independent study 
Summer Term 2 Mental health  Supervised independent study

 

What qualification is gained from which exam board?

GCSE in Religious studies 

 

Link to exam board specification

AQA GCSE Religious Studies A

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-a-8062 

 

How is it graded? 

Graded 1-9, with 9 being the highest Grade

 

What further education and or careers can this qualification lead to? 

This subject offers transferable skills such as the ability to understand the meaning of complex questions, empathy and the ability to understand people and take on board others’ views. It will help you develop an independence of mind and the ability to think for yourself. These are vital skills for all employers. This subject is also useful for careers in teaching, medicine, politics, counselling, charity work and the civil service.

 

Students do of course have the opportunity to continue religious studies at A Level and subsequently university.