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Philosophy & Ethics

Welcome to the Philosophy & Ethics Department

"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing."  - Albert Einstein

Head of Department:

TBC
e-mail: TBC

Key Stage 3

The KS3 Philosophy and Ethics curriculum is arranged thematically with each unit centred on a philosophical question. Each question enables students to extend and deepen their knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and worldviews, recognising their local, national and global context. They will also learn how beliefs influence the lives of individuals and groups, and the link between belief, action and the wider impact religions and worldviews have an impact on current affairs. This is all underpinned by a focus on engendering a life-long love of learning which encourages students to be curious about the world around them.  

Year 7

In Year 7, students begin with a unit called, ‘What makes me, me?’ The aim of this unit is to consider the concept of identity, how this is expressed and whether it is a fixed concept, or one that changes over time. It also encourages students to thing about their own beliefs, rights, and responsibilities by engaging them in a variety of philosophical and ethical dilemmas. Once students have cultivated these essential skills, they will begin to explore religious and secular key events in a person’s life. This will include considering the purpose, value and meaning of rituals, and allow students to reflect upon their own understanding of these events. Students will also study the symbolism of art and how it can deepen a person’s understanding of religious teachings. By studying a variety of religious imagery and practices, students will gain an appreciation of how art can inspire and strengthen faith. Students finish the year with the unit, ‘Why are some journeys special?’ Students will explore various sacred sites from major world religions. They will be asked why some journeys in life are considered important and explore what makes a place sacred.

Units of learning:

  1. What makes me, me?
  2. What is the purpose of rituals?
  3. How is belief expressed through art?
  4. Why are some journeys special?

Knowledge Organisers:

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KS3 Assessment:

Home learning is allocated on a weekly basis by each department. It may be an isolated piece of work, a project, research or an alternative task which challenges the students to solidify their knowledge and / or extend it. Three formal assessments throughout the year set in the style of GCSE questions.

In the Summer Term, each student will sit a formal, internal exam which will consist of all elements taught throughout the course.  Appropriate preparation in the form of revision should be taken seriously with sufficient planning and organisation to ensure each student fulfils their potential.

Year 8

In Year 8, students start by learning about prejudice and discrimination. This unit reminds our young people to empathise with others and challenge negative stereotypes. Students will also learn about minority faiths in British society and their local community. They will be encouraged to think about the questions that come with having a diverse mix of minority faiths in Britain. Through this unit they will also further develop their critical thinking and evaluative skills. Students will learn about political philosophy considering what the ideal form of governance is. Philosophers from Ancient Greece through to the modern day will be critically assessed whilst students consider the impact of their ideas on society. Students will also be asked to contemplate the role they have as citizens and what rights and responsibilities they have. Finally, students will learn about examples of inspirational people from a variety of backgrounds and faiths who have had a significant impact on the world.  They will be asked to reflect on what makes them so inspirational, what challenges they have faced, in some cases how their faith has led them to overcome injustice, and why they continue to inspire us today.

Units of learning:

  1. What is prejudice and discrimination?
  2. What other faiths are there in our local community?
  3. Why do we need a government?
  4. Why are some people inspirational?

Knowledge Organisers:

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KS3 Assessment:

Home learning is allocated on a weekly basis by each department. It may be an isolated piece of work, a project, research or an alternative task which challenges the students to solidify their knowledge and / or extend it. Three formal assessments throughout the year set in the style of GCSE questions.

In the Summer Term, each student will sit a formal, internal exam which will consist of all elements taught throughout the course.  Appropriate preparation in the form of revision should be taken seriously with sufficient planning and organisation to ensure each student fulfils their potential.

Year 9

In Year 9, students start by investigating different religious and philosophical theories about God(s) existence. By considering and evaluating each theory, students will gain a greater understanding of religious belief whilst enabling them to question and explore their own beliefs about the world around them. They will then move onto exploring the concept of morality from a religious and non-religious perspective. They will critically assess what major religions propose about the source of our moral values and contrast these with both ancient and modern philosophical theories. Students will then learn how religious thought has developed throughout history with a focus on Christianity. Building upon their learning from the previous units, students will be asked to consider how these beliefs have changed over time. Students will critically assess the impact the Christian worldview has had upon western society by considering the ideas of philosophers and theologians from the early church through to the modern era.

Units of learning:

  1. Philosophy of Religion
  2. Religion and Ethics
  3. Developments in Christian Thought
KS3 Assessment:

Home learning is allocated on a weekly basis by each department. It may be an isolated piece of work, a project, research or an alternative task which challenges the students to solidify their knowledge and / or extend it. Three formal assessments throughout the year set in the style of GCSE questions.

In the Summer Term, each student will sit a formal, internal exam which will consist of all elements taught throughout the course.  Appropriate preparation in the form of revision should be taken seriously with sufficient planning and organisation to ensure each student fulfils their potential.

Key Stage 4

All students study the GCSE Philosophy and Ethics full course. 

Year 10 and 11

Component 1:

Philosophy and Ethics Theme 1: Relationships

Philosophy and Ethics Theme 2: Life and Death

Philosophy and Ethics Theme 3: Good and Evil

Philosophy and Ethics Theme 4: Human Rights

Component 2:

Beliefs, Teachings, Practices - Christianity

Component 3:

Beliefs, Teachings, Practices - Sikhism

KS4 Assessment:

All students who follow this course will be given on a regular basis.  Wider reading is always useful either from the websites offered, the text book or as directed by their classroom teacher.

In the Summer Term of year 10, each student will sit a formal, internal exam which will consist of all elements taught throughout the course.  Appropriate preparation in the form of revision should be taken seriously with sufficient planning and organisation to ensure each student fulfils their potential.

GCSE Religious Studies

Component 1: Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World

Written examination: 2 hours 50% of qualification

Component 2: Study of Christianity

Written examination: 1 hour 25% of qualification

Component 3: Study of Sikhism

Written examination: 1 hour 25% of qualification

Examination Board:

Eduqas Religious Studies

Course Specification:

OCR J621   GCSE Religious Studies B: Philosophy and Applied Ethics (Full Course)

WJEC Eduqas   GCSE Religious Studies Route A, Components 1, 2, 3

Qualification obtained:

GCSE Religious Studies

Useful Reading Material:

Eduqas Route A WJEC Eduqas GCSE (9-1) Religious Studies

My Revision Notes WJEC Eduqas GCSE (9-1) Religious Studies Route A: Covering Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism

Additional Information