Religious Studies (Philosophy and Ethics) A Level
Overview
Religion divides people and it brings people together. Religion is always in the news but is the information reliable? You will learn techniques to analyse and evaluate information to make decisions about the issues and problems that religious believers and non-believers face.
You will study one world religion in depth (33% of the course): Buddhism, looking at common practices like meditation and teachings such as karma, as well as how Buddhists live in the UK as well as globally.
In the philosophy and ethics part of the course (66% of the course), you will have the opportunity to study ultimate questions such as ‘what is the purpose of life?’ and ‘why does evil exist?’ The course will improve your philosophical thinking skills and ability to think outside the box. You will investigate current, pressing ethical and religious issues such as medical ethics and immigration.
Key information
- A minimum of seven GCSEs at grades A*-C
- Grade B in GCSE English Language and Literature is desirable.
The course is delivered through a variety of methods that are both teacher-led and student-led. There are plenty of opportunities for class discussion and debate. The course is assessed through examinations at the end of the year and practice essays are set at the end of every topic either as homework or as timed in class assessments. Practice essays help develop important transferable skills and are excellent exam practice.
Unit 1 (AS) written exam – 75 minutes
Unit 2 (AS) written exam – 115 minutes
Units 3, 4 and 5 (A2) written exams – 90 minutes each
Further study at university level in a range of subjects including Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Politics, English Literature or PPE. Careers in law, education, business, social work, medicine, administration and the media.
Excellent links with local Buddhists and opportunities to visit Buddhist Centres.