Philosophy of Religion & Ethics A Level

Admission is based solely on actual GCSE results. No conditional offers will be made in advance of GCSE results day.

Applications to join Year 12 should be made on GCSE results day in August 2026 by 12pm.

Students applying after this deadline will be eligible to join the school if they meet the criteria and there are places still available in Year 12 on the courses they wish to follow.

Entry Requirements: - All students joining Year 12 will have achieved:

• A minimum of 52 points across 8 GCSE subjects;

• A minimum of grade 5 in Mathematics and English Language or English Literature;

• The subject requirements for the A Level subjects to be studied.

All A Level courses have specific requirements related to course content. Please refer to the detailed information for each course.

It is important to take time to read the individual course requirements and specifications.

How to Apply: - Please apply via our school website: www.dartfordgrammargirls.org.uk on GCSE results day in August 2026 by 12pm.

We are not accepting applications via KentChoices.

Please check our school website for more details.

PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION AND ETHICS (Religious Studies) OCR

This A level is designed to develop rigorous understanding and appreciation of the complex nature of religious beliefs, as well as the disciplines of ethics and philosophy of religion. Students will develop their skills of critcal analysis in order to construct balanced, informed arguments and responses to challenging philosophical ethical and religious ideas.

• Ancient Philosophical Influences - the ideas of Plato and Aristotle about the nature of reality.
• Arguments for the existence of God - Design, Ontological, Cosmological.
• The problem of evil and suffering - how does evil support atheism?
• Religious language - the debate about how meaningful religious language is and if so in what way.

• Utilitarianism - is what is good what is best for the majority?
• Kantian Ethics - should we follow our duty?
• Situation Ethics - what is the most loving this to do?
• Application of ethical theories to Business Ethics, Euthanasia and Sexual Ethics.

• Augustine on human nature and sin - are humans flawed?
• Knowing God - can humans understand what God is like?
• Bonhoeffer on moral action - should Christians ever go against the State?
• Feminist theology - is it sexist to refer to God as 'He'?

Paper 1: 2 hour written paper (worth 33.3% of the A Level)

Paper 2: 2 hour written paper (worth 33.3% of the A Level)

Paper 3: 2 hour written paper (worth 33.3% of the A Level)

Grade 6 in Religious Studies (or grade 6 in English Language or English Literature if not studied at GCSE).

You can use this qualification to access a wide range of degree courses that value evaluative skills and a critical mind; including Psychology, Sociology, English, History, Archaeology, Law, Philosophy, Theology as well as Religious Studies.

Students can expect to pursue successful careers in the Media, Law, Police, Welfare, Medicine, Civil Service, Politics, Education, Banking and so on.