Philosphy A Level

NEW Applications for September 2026

Applications Open - Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close - Monday 5th April 2026 at 5pm

Entry Requirements - A minimum of six separately identifiable GCSE subjects at grade 6 or above, OR an average of grade 6 in the best six GCSE subjects achieved

At least a grade 5 in both English and Mathematics For most subjects at A Level, a grade 6 in the subject at GCSE is required. However, for A Level Mathematics a grade 7 is required, and for Further Mathematics a grade 8 is necessary

How to Apply - Applications can be made through Kent Choices

Please contact us directly if you have any questions - contact sixthformrecruitment@nks.kent.sch.uk

Open Evening

Thursday 15th January - 6pm - 8pm

Presentations at 6:30pm & 7:30pm

No booking necessary.

Open Mornings - Please visit our school website to book a slot for the open mornings www.nks.kent.sch.uk

Thursday 20th November 2025 9am - 12pm

Thursday 11th December 2025 9am -12pm

Please visit our website for information on consultation meeting if you would like to visit the school and talk to a member of the Sixth Form Team - https://www.nks.kent.sch.uk/page/?title=Sixth+Form+Admissions&pid=33

Philosophy is essentially the search for wisdom. If you thought there was lots you knew, be prepared to discard that belief. If you have always wondered why, and been unwilling just to accept what you are told, this could be the course for you. If you value clear and logical thinking, consider this subject.

What follows is just a snap shot of what we will discuss.

We would consider the very basis of knowledge. Questions such as: How do we acquire knowledge? What counts as reliable knowledge? Is there certain knowledge? Is knowledge justified true belief? What happens if your justification turns out to be false? Is getting knowledge from a teacher enough to say that it must be true? What further checks could you carry out to make this knowledge more certain?

We will consider whether the attributes of God are logically impossible. For instance, can an omnipotent God make a stone so heavy he cannot lift it? Can the existence of God be proved logically or empirically? If God is allknowing, does that mean he already knows our future?

There is the opportunity to consider ethics. Are we free or determined? If the latter, can we be held responsible for our actions? Do we have objective ethical truths or is our morality relative? How do we approach ethical dilemmas? Is it clear what course of action is the best? If you are faced with a choice to save five people you do not know, or one you do, what do you choose to do?

Paper 1 Epistemology (Theories of Knowledge) and Moral Philosophy

Paper 2 Metaphysics of God and Metaphysics of Mind

GCSE Grade 6 in English

Big business – the City firms, the banks, the management consultancies, the chartered accountants – are enthusiastic about people who’ve done philosophy, because they know how to think clearly. Philosophy students also go into law, politics, and the civil service. Journalism is a logical career path, since you have to be able to write well and present ideas logically and clearly.