A-Level Religious Studies

RS PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS A-LEVEL

Exam Board: Eduqas

What are the benefits of the course?

This specification allows students to develop:

• Their interest in a rigorous study of religion and belief and relate it to the wider world

• Knowledge and understanding appropriate to a specialist study of religion

• An understanding and appreciation of religious thought and its contribution to individuals, communities and societies

• An enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion

• Transferable skills, such as teamwork, problem solving, IT skills, communication skills (presentation, writing, debating).

• An enquiry mind that will reflect on and develop own values, opinions and attitudes in the light of their study.

What will I study?

We study three units: Buddhism, Philosophy and Ethics across the 2 years.

The following units will be studied in Year 12:

• Buddhism - Story of The Buddha, Key Buddhist Teachings and Key Buddhist Practices (i.e. Meditation).

• Philosophy - Religious Experience, Problem of Evil & Suffering, Philosophical Arguments for Existence of God (Teleological, Cosmological and Ontological).

• Ethics - Divine Command Theory, Natural Law, Situation Ethics, Utilitarianism and Application to the following issues: Sexual Ethics, Nuclear Warfare and Animal Rights.

The following units will then be studied in Year 13:

• Buddhism - Buddhism in the Community, Development of Buddhism (Challenges from Science, Secularism and Feminism) and Mindfulness.

• Philosophy - Language and Philosophy, Psychological Challenges to Religious Belief and Miracles.

• Ethics - Meta Ethics, Free Will, Natural Law and Application to the following issues: Immigration and Capital Punishment (Death Penalty).

How will I be assessed?

At the end of Year 13 students take their A-Level examination, they will sit three exam papers. Each exam paper lasts for 2 hours. Students will need to answer four questions, ranging from 20 marks to 30 marks. Questions are made up of topics from the full course.

What does it lead to?

Like any other academic subject, Philosophy and Ethics is valued by universities as it is seen as a critical thinking subject. Like other A-Level subjects it proves to universities and future employers that a person is capable of attaining a certain standard of education. The logical nature of this subject makes it ideal if a student is considering working in the area of ICT, Law, Politics or Journalism. Often a qualification in this subject is helpful for those students considering embarking on a career which is associated with people. It also provides numerous transferable skills.

Entry Requirements:

Grade 6 in GCSE English Language or Literature and a Grade 6 in GCSE Religious Studies.

Staff Contact:

Mr L Hilton

lhilton@brakenhale.co.uk