Philosophy & Theology

Applications Open - 10th November 2025

Applications Close - 31st January 2026

Entry Requirements - For entry into year 12 to begin A Level and/or vocational courses, students must meet the minimum requirements in English and Mathematics (grade 4), however most courses require significantly higher grades in certain other GCSE subjects to access them.

How to Apply -

• Internal students – apply via Applicaa (school have emailed all students a link)
• External Students – apply using Applicaa from the Trinity School website under Sixth Form - Apply here

Students are required to study a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 4 subjects.

"It is not enough to have a good mind. The main thing is to use it well." - Rene Descartes

This qualification provides a balanced religious education that builds on, but is not dependant on, prior knowledge of the subject at GCSE level. The academic rigor and skills developed through the study of Philosophy and Religion will complement and support studies of the humanities and contribute to the development of the whole person. The student will develop transferable skills that are in demand in a broad range of careers.

Skills Acquired

• Sift, select relevant information and think logically
• Critical approach to contemporary issues
• Develop investigative, analytical and critical evaluation skills
• Understand and take a sensitive approach to different cultures and beliefs
• Express ideas clearly thought essay writing and discussion

Students Suited To The Course
Students who are inquisitive and empathetic to multiple perspectives will thrive on this course. Pupils who are able to compare and evaluate different philosophical theories through extended writing will succeed.

What Other Subjects It Combines Well With
Philosophy and Religion combines well with almost all other humanities subjects such as History, Geography and English. In addition, if taken with Mathematics and Sciences, Philosophy and Religion will give students a broad-based curriculum.

Co-curricular
Trips and visits, Outside speakers.

Students will cover three themes over the two years;

• Philosophy and Religion
• Religion and Ethics
• Study of Religion

Unit Content

Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion (2 hour examination)

• Philosophical issues and questions
• The nature and influence of religious experience
• Problems of evil and suffering

Paper 2: Religion and Ethics (2 hour examination)

• Significant concepts in issues or debates in religion and ethics
• Environmental issues and equality
• Natural moral law, utilitarianism and situation ethics
• Study of ethical dilemmas: issues of war and peace and sexual ethics
• Meta-ethics and the relationship between religion and morality
• Medical ethics

Paper 3: Study of Religion. Option 4B: Christianity (2 hour examination)

• Religious beliefs, values and teachings
• Sources of wisdom and authority
• Practices that shape and express religious identity
• Social and historical developments
• Works of Scholars
• Religion and society
  
  
  
  
  

An externally assessed written examination comprising three sections. Students answer all questions in Section A (two structured questions) and Section B (two extended-response questions on an excerpt, sourced from the extracts list) and one question in Section C, an extended essay question. A Level assessment consists of three written exams over the two year course. Each exam is worth 33.33% of the final grade.

GCSE grade 6 in RE and grade 5 in English.

The course provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in collecting, synthesising and interpreting information from a range of sources, and to consider issues from a range of perspectives. These skills are highly valued by a range of professions, such as public services and the caring professions. Students who study this course have gone on to study a range of subjects at University including Law, English, Politics, Philosophy, Journalism, Theology, Psychology, Sociology and many others.

This qualification supports progression into higher education, training or employment. Recently, the Chief Executive for the council of Industry and Higher Education was quoted as saying of Religious Studies students, "We have found that these students are among the most employable in the workplace because of their skills." Any occupations dealing with people and making judgments between different options would benefit from the course.