The students will be introduced to key philosophical ideas and ethical theories, linking them with previous knowledge of religious belief and applying this to understanding of key issues in the world today. They will learn to form and argue their own opinions, both in writing and through discussion and debate. The ethical issues are debated through the lens of the main world religions and also non-religious frameworks.
The course is taught through a wide range of resources to stimulate discussion and debate.
This module introduces students to the philosophical idea of epistemology and notions of truth. Students explore some key philosophers including Plato, Descartes and Hume.
Students will consider what we mean by ethics through 3 ethical problems: the Trolley Problem, the Shallow Pond, and the Veil of Ignorance.
Students will consider our responsibilities to the planet and the environment through religious and non-religious points of view, including the accounts of Genesis, Jain and Humanist ideas.
Students will explore issues around war, including responses such as Just War theory and pacifism. Students will make comparisons between Christianity and Islam, addressing understandings and misconceptions of key ideas.
In this module, pupils will look at the United Nations Convention on Human Rights and what we mean by human rights. They will then investigate the effect of treating people differently, examining issues such as racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination.
With guidance, students will choose an ethical issue to explore in greater depth, developing understanding of ethical theories and religious and non-religious points of view.
Each unit is assessed through:
Key vocabulary tests
Short answers
A longer response
The End of Year exam in May will draw on the topics studied this year and will follow the same format.
The Independent Project will assess:
Research skills
Written skills
Presentation and oracy skills
If you have any queries about this curriculum, please contact: Mrs Caroline Newell, Head of RPE on cn@farlingtonschool.com