Key Stage 5

Qualification

OCR - Advanced GCE A2
Advanced Subsidiary GCE AS

The ethics and philosophy course offers the unique opportunity for the relevant and in-depth study of the nature and meaning of life. Students will be dealing with issues which have always stimulated immense interest coupled with academic rigour. Numbers have increased from 5 in 1999 to 65 in 2002.

The study of ethics consists of:

Ethical behaviour - what is to be considered good, bad, right and wrong
Ethical theories - various philosophers' work on ethical values and actions
Do we possess free will?
Does conscience influence our actions?

Application of the theories through practical ethics.

Medical Ethics - genetic engineering
- embryo research
- abortion / right to life
Environmental issues
Sex and relationships
War, peace and justice

The study of philosophy consists of :

Greek Philosophers - Plato and Aristotle
Arguments for the existence of God
The problem of evil
Religious experience
Human understanding of God
Contribution of psychology and sociology to the religious debate
Miracles
Religious Language

Course Length

Advanced GCE - 2 years,Advanced Subsidiary - 1 year

Entry Requirements

GCSE Religious Studies Grade C or better would normally be expected

Course Delivery

Class and group discussion, use of Self Supported study seminars.

Assessment Method

Students will be assessed on a continual basis in relation to the syllabus content and the key skills. Assessment will vary from group and individual presentations to completion of examination questions through identification, analysis and implementation of all work covered.

Examination : Modular
Units are taken in January and June
Two essay questions to be completed in 1 hour 30 minutes

3 units - Advanced Subsidiary (1 year)
6 units - Advanced GCE (2 years)

Progression from the course

The ethics and philosophy course provides an exceptional insight and understanding of the world in which we all live and work. The course is specifically designed to enable students to analyse what is actually happening around them from an objective standpoint.

Many students following this course progress into the following areas:

Law
Psychology
Medicine
Teaching
Physiotherapy
Speech and Language Therapy
Management