Philosophy, Religion and Ethics - A Level (Linear)

Applications Open: - Thursday 14th November

Entry Requirements: - Updated subject information and application guidance will 'go live' on our website on the evening of 14th November 2024: https://www.dgsb.co.uk/1106/dgsb-sixth-form-about-us

How to Apply: - We do not accept applications via KentChoices. Please visit https://www.dgsb.co.uk/1106/dgsb-sixth-form-about-us to find out how to apply

This is a linear 2 year course and will be examined at the end of year 13.

There are three mains strands of study in this A-level all of which will be equally weighted in the exam.

1. Religious Studies: A study of the key beliefs and practices of a major world faith. This will be either Christianity or Judaism. You will learn about the different ways in which people belonging to these faith express their religion as well as how they have adapted and diversified throughout history.

2. Philosophy of Religion. In this section you will study arguments which attempt both to prove and disprove the existence of God- for example the Cosmological Argument. You will also consider the way in which language is used to talk about God and question whether or not this can ever be meaningful. You will also examine the nature of ‘Religious Experience’, critically evaluating whether or not these are genuine or fictitious.

3. Ethics: Throughout this component you will be studying various ethical systems which have tried to define how humans should live their lives. Is it ever ok to lie? Can murder ever be justified? Should I always act in a way that benefits the majority? In the second year of study these questions will focus on whether or not ‘goodness’ is something that everyone can agree on, or is it culturally defined?