PHILOSOPHY A-LEVEL

Exam Board: AQA

Course Overview / Introduction

This specification allows students to:

• Understand the ways in which philosophers have analysed the core concepts of philosophy, and be able to identify how subtle differences in analyses can have wider impacts on philosophical arguments

• Understand the main philosophical arguments within topics, through the works of philosophers, and articulate those arguments in appropriate forms, correctly, clearly and precisely

• Understand the philosophical claims which are made within each topic and be able to articulate those claims correctly, clearly and precisely. Students must also articulate how those claims might relate to other topic areas

• Understand the ways in which philosophical arguments are developed, issues are raised, and arguments are reformulated in response to those issues

• Understand the similarities and differences between the forms of reasoning used in different philosophical content areas, including the similarities and differences between different kinds of knowledge

• Generate responses using appropriate philosophical formats, to a range of philosophical questions. These responses must include: articulating definitions; articulating arguments and counter-arguments; and selecting, applying and evaluating appropriate material to generate their own arguments.

What will I study?

We study four units across the two years. These are:

• Epistemology

• Moral Philosophy

• Metaphysics of God

• Metaphysics of Mind

How will I be assessed?

At the end of Year 13 students take their A-Level examination, they will sit two  exam papers. Each exam paper lasts for 3 hours. Students will need to answer five questions, one 3 marker, two 5 markers and a 12 and 25 marker per paper. 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 5 in GCSE English Language or Literature and a Grade 5 in GCSE Religious Studies.

Staff Contact: 

Miss D Bunkell,
Head of Humanities & Social Sciences