‘Who am I?’ ‘Is there a God?’ ‘What’s the meaning of life?’
COURSE CONTENT AND AIMS
Thousands of years ago prehistoric humans gathered in dark caves, dipped their hands into dirt, mixed with spit and animal fat, to scrawl rough images on the walls. They wanted to make sense of life, and when language developed, so did their Big Questions – ‘Who am I?’ ‘Is there a God?’ ‘What’s the meaning of life?’
Across the centuries, scholars have continued this quest for truth, and if you’re gripped with the same passion, maybe you’ll consider adding your voice to the argument…
If you’re open-minded, don’t like easy-answers, can weigh arguments fairly, and are confident to make your own conclusions – you’re perfect for our Philosophy, Ethics and Theology A-level!
The course will turn you into a rigorous academic with valuable skills of research, debate, and enquiry, and our graduates go on to various exciting degrees, including medicine, law, history, and of course, philosophy. These lead to a wide range of people-focused jobs, such as the police force, paramedics, social workers, nurses, and teachers.
Back in the mists of time, Socrates said ‘The unexamined life is not worth living’, and we agree – if you do too, then perhaps you’ll consider joining us, to question everything you’ve ever thought about life!
TRIPS AND VISITS
We are planning to offer a trip to Krakow, Poland to visit Auschwitz, alongside a theatre trip and a visit to a religious studies conference.
PROGRESSION
The skills acquired through studying the course include critical thinking, essay construction and deep analysis and evaluation. As a result, the A level is excellent preparation for a broad range of university courses including Law, English and History. Many students are also attracted to study the subject before pursuing a medical career due to the content relating to questions of Medical Ethics. An inevitable characteristic of any Religious Studies A level classroom is healthy debate and discussion which itself develops crucial personal skills that relate to any workplace. Universities hold the subject in high regard due to its ability to prepare students for higher education through its rigorous engagement with critical argument.
ASSESSMENT
The A level is assessed through three examination papers at the end of two years, one for each of the components studied.
Title | Marks | Duration of Exam | Weighting | |
Component 1 | Philosophy of Religion Three questions from four | 120 | 2hr | 33.3% |
Component 2 | Religion and Ethics Three questions from four | 120 | 2hr | 33.3% |
Component 3 | Developments in Religious Thought Three questions from four | 120 | 2hr | 33.3% |
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
For admission to A level Religious Studies, our usual minimum requirements are:
- Students will need to have achieved a grade 6 or above in Religious Studies.