Curriculum
You will develop:
- Your own values, opinions and attitudes towards a variety of ethical and philosophical contemporary issues
- Your interest in the nature of existence, understanding, truth, and what it might mean to ‘live well’
- Your knowledge and understanding of the nature of argument and the philosophical method
- Your conceptual and argument analysis by dissecting philosophical concepts and arguments to identify underlying assumptions and structures
- Your critical evaluation of arguments for their validity and soundness, forming and defending your own reasoned judgments
- A deeper understanding of philosophy and thought and its contribution to individuals, communities, societies, and history
- Your essay writing, refining your ability to construct well-argued philosophical essays that present your own coherent and cogent positions
- An enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of philosophy, considering and evaluating the arguments of classical, early modern, modern, and contemporary philosophers
- Your understanding and appreciation of religious thought in debate with non-religious/secular views on religious thought.
Progression
Philosophy is about the deep questions that underpin our lives: existential, ethical, social and moral questions – so it is valuable in any profession and unquestionably contributes to your personal development. It’s especially valuable if you are progressing into studies that require learning complex information with a questioning and curious mind such as: philosophy; theology; law; journalism; sociology and the social sciences; medicine; teaching.
Careers
Many employers and universities value the skills that are fostered through Philosophy. There are a variety of career opportunities that students could follow into which include law, accountancy, medicine, the sciences, commerce and industry, politics and research, business management, journalism, travel industry, civil service, youth work and teaching.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 5-9s, which must include either English or Maths or 25 points over your top 5 grading subjects.
Assessment
Two separate, three-hour written exams at the end of the course.
- Each paper consists of shorter questions (testing AO1 knowledge and understanding) and a 25-mark essay question (testing AO2 analysis and evaluation).
- Epistemology and Moral Philosophy are assessed in the first exam, while Metaphysics of God and Metaphysics of Mind are in the second. Each topic is worth approximately 25% of the total A-Level grade.
No coursework.
Opportunities for work related activities
Visiting Crown Court, debates and contemporary films.
