Philosophy and Ethics

Head of Department: Mr J Bailey, The Green School for Girls

Do you enjoy looking for answers to the biggest questions in our universe? Do you have an interest in debating, discussion and questioning? Do you like to be challenged in your thinking processes? If the answer to these questions is yes, then choose Philosophy and Ethics.

The main aim of the course is to develop your mind and teach you to think as an individual. Philosophy and Ethics is a dynamic subject; it is taught by a department that aims for teaching that is both challenging and engaging. Lessons are interactive and include debates and discussions. You will be able to think and talk about key concepts and ideas, whilst understanding the skills required to produce high-quality essays.

How will it be assessed?

 A-level  Religious Studies (Philosophy and Ethics) is a two-year linear course. Exam Board: AQA.

Paper 1: 3 Hours (50%)

Philosophy and Religion and Ethics.

Paper 2: 3 Hours (50%)

Study of Religion and Dialogues with Philosophy and Ethics.

Where will it lead?

Philosophy is about giving you the skills to analyse and evaluate arguments and to express your own views clearly and coherently.

By investigating a range of world views you can see more clearly how you want to fit into that world.

Philosophy and Ethics is viewed by universities and the workplace as a highly academic and challenging subject that produces students who have strong debating, research and analytical skills.

Philosophy and Ethics can lead to a range of careers, including journalism, law, finance, insurance, stockbroking, accountancy, politics, NHS administration, school teaching, local government, social work, television and radio.

The reason for this variety is partly because of what the subject teaches -knowledge of the way humans think, act, make decisions, and create belief systems,  and this is useful to any career involving people.

Enrichment opportunities

Candle Conferences talks from leading philosophers e.g. Peter Singer and Peter Vardy.

Leadership opportunities with 6th Form Moral Maze.

Entry requirements

A grade 6 in Religious Studies GCSE (full course) if studied.

Students who do not obtain the criteria could still be accepted on to the course after a discussion with the Head of Department and providing they attain at least a grade 6 in English GCSE.

Recommended reading

• 'Think' by Blackburn, S.  OUP 2001
• 'Philosophy: a Very Short Introduction' by Craig, E. OUP 2002
• 'The Puzzle Books' by Vardy, P.
• 'The Blind Watchmaker' by Dawkins, R.
• Journals
• 'Think Journal’
• 'The Philosophers Magazine'
• 'Philosophy Now'
• 'Richmond Journal of Philosophy'

Websites

• www.bbc.co.uk/religion
• Crash Course Philosophy Youtube Channel
• The School of Life Youtube Channel
• Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
• Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
• www.rsrevision.com

Fiction

• 'Sophie’s World' by Gaarder J.
• 'The Sage Train' by Hansell N. 
• 'The Children Act' by McEwan I. 
• 'The Shack' by Young W. P. 
• 'The Chosen' by Potak C.
• 'The Hiding Place' by Boom C. T. 
• 'Never Let Me Go' by Ishiguro K.
• 'The Thread' by Hislop V 
• 'And the Mountains Echoed' by Hosseini K. 
• 'Life of Pi' by Martel Y.