PHILOSOPHY, ETHICS AND THEOLOGY A Level 3

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - We would, ideally, like applications to be submitted by Thursday 8th January 2026, when planning for the timetable will begin, but applications will be accepted after this date

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Minimum Entry Requirements

The admissions criteria for the Sixth Form are as follows:

- A minimum of 6 separately identifiable GCSE subjects (or equivalent) at an average grade of 5.5 or above

- These 6 subjects must include at least a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and at least a grade 4 in Mathematics

- You will require a grade 6 or above in most subjects you wish to study at A Level

- To study Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages or a Science subject you will require a grade 7

- To study Economics a grade 7 or above in Mathematics is required and a 6+ or above in Business or a related subject

- Students may be able to study a Science subject with a 6 grade but their 4th option choice must be STEM Access forming part of your Personal Enrichment Pathway

- For Further Mathematics you will need an 8 or 9

- Short Courses count as half a GCSE

- A positive attitude in your chosen subjects and a respect for school aims, objectives and ethos

- Commitment to the expectations of the Sixth Form and the school community

- Students will not be admitted if they have not completed the appropriate paperwork

This specification offers a course with three very different topic areas. In Philosophy, learners will study philosophical issues and questions raised by religion and belief. These include arguments regarding the existence and non-existence of God, the nature and influence of religious experience and the problems of evil and suffering. Ethics is characterised by the study of ethical language and thought, with exploration of key concepts and the works of influential thinkers. Ethical theory will also be applied to issues of importance, namely euthanasia, business ethics and sexual ethics. Theology provides a fascinating insight into the exploration of religious beliefs, values, teachings and practices that shape religious identity, as well as sources of wisdom and authority. Also central are the ways in which religious traditions have developed over time, and religious responses to challenges and significant contemporary social issues.

This is a captivating and academically demanding A level course which is ‘good preparation for university study’ (Clare College Cambridge website). It requires students to be mature and open minded as different points of view will be explored throughout the course. A questioning mind and an ability to deal with abstract concepts is an advantage, as is the ability to analyse and criticise reasons for belief.

Students are required to complete 3 papers

Paper 1: Philosophy (Paper code: H573A/01)

The philosophical views of Plato and Aristotle followed by the soul, mind and body.

Teleological and cosmological arguments for God, as well as challenges to arguments from observation.

The nature and influence of religious experience followed by the problem of evil.

Written examination: 2 hours, 33.3% of the qualification 120 marks

Paper 2: Ethics (Paper code: H573/02)

Utilitarianism and Kantian Ethics.

Natural Moral Law and Situation Ethics.

An application of moral theory for Euthanasia and Business Ethics.

Written examination: 2 hours, 33.3% of the qualification 120 marks

Paper 3: Theology (Paper codes: H573/03)

Augustine’s teaching on human nature, followed by death and the afterlife.

Natural versus revealed knowledge of God’s existence, and a question of who Jesus was.

Moral principals in Christianity, followed by the teaching and example of Bonhoeffer.

Written examination: 2 hours, 33.3% of the qualification 120 marks

The A Level course is based on external examination only.

Minimum Entry Requirements

This is a captivating and academically demanding A level course which is ‘good preparation for university study’ (Clare College Cambridge website). It requires students to be mature and open minded as different points of view will be explored throughout the course. A questioning mind and an ability to deal with abstract concepts is an advantage, as is the ability to analyse and criticise reasons for belief.