GCSE

Course Overview

Until recently, the AQA GCSE in Religious Studies (Theology, Philosophy of Religion and Ethics) was a successful compulsory course taken by all students.

It has only recently been offered as an option at GCSE, with around half of the cohort taking the subject (90 students c.).

The Tiffin Philosophy and Theology GCSE builds upon our KS3 inquiries into ultimate questions and what is real, right and reasonable belief. It does so via a basic introduction to metaphysics, theology, ethics, epistemology, political philosophy, the philosophy of science and jurisprudence.

You will employ critical thinking skills to logically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of philosophical arguments in order to develop their own.

The major theme in Year 10 is the Philosophy of Religion with a specific focus on metaphysical, epistemological and scientific arguments developed by Christian and Islamic philosophers and those from materialist, sceptical and Kantian points of view.

The central theme of Year 11 is Applied Ethics where student apply the normative ethical theories studied in Year 9 (e.g., Divine Command Ethics, Kantian Ethics, Natural Law and Utilitarianism) to Christian and Islamic ethics and to moral dilemmas in medical ethics, environmental ethics and controversial political, economic and legal issues.

The GCSE is assessed in two examinations held at the end of year 11.

The RP GCSE puts students in good stead for their A Level studies, particularly if they wish to study the following courses at university: Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), Medicine, Law, Psychology, Physics and Mathematics.

The course is of particular interest to students who wish to study at Oxford and Cambridge. The critical thinking, analytic essay writing and debating skills introduced in Year 9, and extended in the GCSE course, provide an ideal foundation for those preparing for Oxbridge entrance examinations and interviews