Philosophy and Ethics

Curriculum Leader: Mrs S Neighbour

The aims and objectives of A Level Philosophy & Ethics are to enable students to:

Develop their interest in the study of philosophical and ethical concepts
Develop an understanding and appreciation of ethical issues and different theories around these
Adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to philosophical and ethical debates
Develop knowledge and understanding appropriate to a specialist study of religion
Reflect on and develop their own values, opinions and attitudes in the light of their study.

Subject Requirements

GCSE English - Grade 4 or above
GCSE RE - Grade 5 or above

Intent

Our curriculum is designed to provide students with the opportunity to diversify their beliefs. We cover topics that suit our whole school community, ranging from the study of religions to thematic topics in which both religious and non-religious viewpoints are applied. RE at Saint Georges is designed to support students with their self-expression, and we work hard to ensure that RE is a safe space for all learners to explore topics they may not have had the opportunity to before.

As all students will sit the full GCSE in year 11, it has allowed us to develop a broad and balanced curriculum at KS3 that builds on knowledge and skills in KS4 and KS5. Our curriculum is constantly evolving to allow students to stay up to date with relevant topics and issues around the world.

Implementation

RE lessons cover up to date and relevant information to support learners with their beliefs. Teachers are proactive in ensuring that students are able to discuss and understand different beliefs and viewpoints and spiritual development is supported by all in the classroom. Topics taught in all key stages focus on knowledge and skills, in particular development of opinions and evaluation. We ensure that SEND and disadvantaged children are given the necessary support in class to fully access the Curriculum and that equal opportunities are given to all.

We ensure that SEND and disadvantaged children are given the necessary support in class to fully access the Curriculum and that equal opportunities are given to all.

Impact

RE at Saint George’s helps students to empathise with others and allows learners to formulate their own opinions on the topics we cover. Assessment practices at Saint George’s aim to ensure students have a breadth of knowledge, focusing on both religious and non-religious views. Additionally, it builds students’ knowledge of how to evaluate and analyse as well as developing skills in literacy.

Topics

Philosophy of Religion:

Design Argument
Cosmological Argument
Ontological Argument
The nature of religious experience
Influence of religious experience as an argument for the existence of God
The problem of evil & suffering
Solutions to the problem of suffering drawn from a range of religious traditions

Religion and Ethics:

Environmental Issues
Equality
Utilitarianism
Situation Ethics
Natural Moral Law
War & Peace
Sexual Ethics
Medical Ethics
Meta-Ethics

New Testament Studies:

Social, Historical & Religious context of New Testament
The Person of Jesus
Issues of authorship, relationship & purpose
Ways of interpreting the scripture
Kingdom of God, conflict and death & resurrection of Jesus
Scientific & historical-critical challenges

Assessments

This course is 100% examination - 3 exams

Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion (33%)	Paper 2: Religion and Ethics (33%)	Paper 3: New Testament Studies (33%)
Written Examination: 2 Hours 80 Marks	Written Examination: 2 Hours 80 Marks	Written Examination: 2 Hours 80 Marks
Philosophical issues and questions; The nature and influence of religious experience; Problems of evil and suffering; Philosophical language; Works of scholars; Influences of developments in religious belief.	Significant concepts in issues or debates in religion and ethics; A study of three ethical theories; Application of ethical theories to issues of importance; Ethical language; Deontology, Virtue Ethics and the works of scholars; Medical ethics: beginning and end of life issues.	The social, historical and religious context of the New Testament; Texts and interpretation of the Person of Jesus; Interpreting the text and issues of relationship, purpose and authorship; Ways of interpreting the scripture; Texts and interpretation: the Kingdom of God, conflict, the death and resurrection of Jesus; Scientific and historical-critical challenges, ethical living and the works of scholars.

Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion (33%)

Paper 2: Religion and Ethics (33%)

Paper 3: New Testament Studies (33%)

Written Examination: 2 Hours

80 Marks

Written Examination: 2 Hours

80 Marks

Written Examination: 2 Hours

80 Marks

Philosophical issues and questions; The nature and influence of religious experience; Problems of evil and suffering; Philosophical language; Works of scholars; Influences of developments in religious belief.

Significant concepts in issues or debates in religion and ethics; A study of three ethical theories; Application of ethical theories to issues of importance; Ethical language; Deontology, Virtue Ethics and the works of scholars; Medical ethics: beginning and end of life issues.

The social, historical and religious context of the New Testament; Texts and interpretation of the Person of Jesus; Interpreting the text and issues of relationship, purpose and authorship; Ways of interpreting the scripture; Texts and interpretation: the Kingdom of God, conflict, the death and resurrection of Jesus; Scientific and historical-critical challenges, ethical living and the works of scholars.

Examining board link: Edexcel A Level Religious Studies