The course is divided into three areas, Philosophy, Ethics and Development in Christian Thought. In essence the course is concerned with thinking about the big questions in life such as:
• Who am I? (What is the nature of humanity)
• Where am I? (What is the meaning and nature of the world around me)
• How should I live? (Is there right and wrong)
• What happens when I die?
The aim of the course is to encourage interest in and intelligent understanding of the issues raised by religion and to think knowledgeably and logically about them. The course is suitable to those who have a religious commitment and those who have none.
Students need to be prepared to undertake individual and independent research. They need to be proactive in their learning in order to produce A-Level style essays.
This is a fascinating subject that can train you in skills of analysis, logical thought, empathy and literacy. It provides direct links with the study of Philosophy and Theology at university, but the skills you will develop can be used in a variety of undergraduate degrees. Students in the past have used this A-Level to help them pursue careers in medicine and law.
There is the opportunity to attend the prestigious Candle Conference with key theologian Dr Peter Vardy in London, exploring the issues raised on a deeper level with students from across the country.
All units are examined with OCR: The department ensure that support is available for all students to help with revision, homework and essay style. When you take this course you work alongside staff who are committed to helping you gain success.
5 GCSEs 9 – 5 including English and Religious Studies. You do not need to have studied Religious Studies at GCSE to be able to study this course but we would expect a Grade 6 in English.
There are three components of the course.
• Religion and Ethics
We study four ethical theories and show their application to euthanasia and business ethics.
• Religion and Philosophy
We explore ancient philosophical influences such as Plato and Aristotle, ideas of life after death and the problem of evil.
• Development in Christian Thought
We examine how religion and ethics can be applied in a Christian life such as what is human nature and how can we know God.
There are three exams, each examining one aspect of the course. For the full A-Level students will study the Lower Sixth content plus:
• Religion and Ethics (2 hours, 33.33%) Issues raised by meta-ethics, the conscience and an exploration of sexual ethics.
• Religion and Philosophy (2 hours, 33.33%) Religious language and the nature of God.
• Development in Christian Thought (2 hours, 33.33%) Key themes related to the relationship between religion and society; such as gender, pluralism and secularisation.
