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RS (Philosophy)

RS (Philosophy)

Year 10 

For pupils taking their exam in 2018
Exam Board: AQA Specification A
 
About the subject
This subject focuses on the really interesting life issues such as crime and punishment, relationships and families and the value of human life. It will help pupils to become aware of issues of local, national and global concern.
The course will also study two world religions in depth. Pupils will learn about beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity and Hinduism.
 
Areas of study
Questions we will consider in lessons include:
 Is it morally right to use medical technology to prolong life?
 If God exists, why does he allow us to suffer?
 Should we bring back the death penalty?
 How important is the role of the family in British society?
 Why is Christmas as a religious festival important for Christians?
 Why is belief in the Trinity important for Christians?
 How are shrines used in Hinduism?
 Why is the festival of Diwali important for Hindus today?
 
Assessment
Pupils will complete two exam papers at the end of year 11. Each paper lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes.
 Paper 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices.
(Christianity and Hinduism).
 Paper 2: Thematic studies: Relationships and families, Crime and
punishment, Religion and life, Human rights and social justice.
Course Overview
 
Autumn term: Christian beliefs and teachings. Relationships and families.
Spring term: Hindu beliefs and teachings. Crime and punishment.
Summer term: Religion and life. Christian practices.
 
 

Year 11 

About the subject

This course focuses on the really interesting life issues as immortality, drug abuse, evil and crime.  It will help pupils to become aware of issues of local, national and global concern.

Ethics: Should we bring back the death penalty?  Is it morally right to use medical technology to prolong life?  Is euthanasia acceptable?  Is cloning humans right or wrong?

Philosophy: Does God exist?  Why does God allow us to suffer?  Is there life after death?  Do miracles really happen?

 

Pupils will learn how to evaluate issues and argue a point of view logically.  They will express their views using reasoned arguements so they can mae a positive contribution to debates and decisions in society.  Pupils must be open minded and willing to discuss why they think and listen to the ideas of others.  No prior learning of Religious Education or philosophy is necessary for pupils to undertake this course at GCSE.

 

Areas of study

The course consists of two units which are Religious and Morality and Philosophy and Ultimate Questions.

The topics will include:

  • Medical ethics
  • Religious attitudes to drug abuse
  • Crime and punishment
  • The existence of God
  • Problems of evil and suffering
  • Immortality
  • Miracles
  • Science and religion

Assessment

Examination at the end of Year 11, which accounts for 100% of the total marks.

Autumn term: Human rights and social justice. Hindu practices

Spring term: Revision

Career opportunities and progression routes

GCSE Ethics, Philosophy and Religion provides a good base to go on to study any course in humanities or social science such as English, history, sociology, Law and psychology.