“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” ― Aristotle
The Philosophy and Ethics course aims to educate both the mind and the heart! Those pupils who choose this course will be confronted with the complex moral issues that are increasingly posed within our family, community and national structures. The Philosophy and Ethics course is a Humanity which encompasses facets of all the others in that sociological, historical and geographical subject matter contribute to the course content.
The intention of this study is to explore a range of personal, social, national and international relationships and the varying attitudes to them. The course will provide pupils with a chance to examine issues and seek personal stances that are well considered and valuable. This subject will challenge learners to reflect on and develop their own values, beliefs and attitudes in the light of what they have learnt and contribute to their preparation for adult life.
The course considers religious (Christian and one other religion) and non-religious (Atheist and Humanist) perspectives on personal, social and world issues. It looks at ways in which individuals reach decisions about ethical and moral dilemmas, along with philosophical issues. Topics covered include: sanctity of life issues, abortion, euthanasia, war, peace, justice, crime and punishment, prejudice, divorce, censorship, extremism, human rights, evolution and the Big Bang theory, religious expression and beliefs, and life after death. Candidates will be expected to produce evidence and argument from two religions studied to support and evaluate the points of view expressed.
Careers
The ability to examine moral and philosophical issues, evaluate them, then use powers of self-expression, is bound to be an asset in those occupations where communicating with the public effectively and sympathetically is essential. A GCSE in Religious Studies is therefore viewed by employers as a valuable qualification, for it promotes tolerance and understanding of different viewpoints and lifestyles. Those who have studied Philosophy and Ethics have pursued careers in: Medicine, Law, Politics, the Police force, Journalism, Advertising, Banking, Civil Service, Estate Agency, Local Government, Media, Marketing, Personnel Work, Retailing, Social Work, Teaching, Youth Work and many more…
Assessment
Currently assessment will be in the form of two written examinations; Unit One: Religion and Philosophical Themes, Unit Two: Religion and Ethics.
Each paper is 2 hours in duration and worth 50% of the course. There may be an opportunity to sit one examination paper at the end of year 10. There are no tiered papers, all pupils will have the opportunity to achieve grades A*-G.
There is no coursework in this subject.
Remember, the pupil is not required to have any particular religious conviction in order to tackle the course. Neither does he/she need to be a profound thinker, simply alert and interested at a level appropriate to his/her age.
*Any student who opts to follow full course Philosophy and Ethics (previously Religious studies) will study either short course ICT or the European Computer Drivers Licence (ECDL) course instead of short course Religious Studies.