“Ethics & Philosophy was, by far, my favourite subject to study at A-Level. Each lesson, I was challenged to consider fundamental questions such as ‘What is the meaning of life?’ and ‘What is morality?’ which made the lessons extremely engaging. Throughout the course you are taught skills such as problem solving, communication, critical thinking and essay writing. All of which are transferable to many future careers.
I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in law. I can confidently say that this subject has been invaluable both in attaining my Law Degree and now in my career as a legal professional.”
Megan Spicer – Previous Student
Ethics and Philosophy A Level
Course Highlights:
Using creative methods to illustrate philosophical theories. Diving into ethical debates and discussing world issues. Students have the opportunity to engage with Theology during our annual Theology Conference at St Marys Ferndown. Students have the opportunity to dive into Theology topics such as Gender and Euthanasia. These are then debated with students from Moorlands Bible College.
Other subjects that work well with this course are:
Maths
English Language
English Literature
Psychology
Sociology
Science
History
Many more practical subjects such as Drama and music too.
Why study Ethics and Philosophy at A Level?
Philosophy literally means ‘the love of wisdom’, so it is concerned with the study of knowledge. The aim of philosophy is to search for the truth by asking the right questions and by formulating logical arguments. As there are no simple answers, it is an intellectually challenging subject.
Ethics is the study of how humans make moral decisions and the reasons we give for our decisions. It examines whether morality is relative and so changes according to time, place, or culture or whether it is absolute and certain actions are intrinsically good or bad. This subject develops the skills of reasoning and logical thought, analysis and evaluation and literacy.
Course overview
- Students will learn through a range of different teaching strategies, including class discussions and debates, group work, independent study tasks and research.
- Students have the opportunity to study a wide variety of topics including philosophical questions about the existence of God, what do we mean by right and wrong? As well as analysing religious concepts.
- From debating the existence of life after death, to the validity of the language we use, we wrestle with complex ethical issues such as Euthanasia and debate issues such as the role of feminism within religion.
- Students develop excellent knowledge and understanding of complex issues. They learn to critically analyse and evaluate philosophical, ethical and theological issues. They also develop a high level of ability to select and deploy relevant information in class debates but also in essays.
Students studying Ethics will:
- Have a chance to develop thinking skills as well as the ability to debate and voice opinions whilst developing empathy for the world around you.
- Explore issues in religious identity, the conscience, good and evil.
- Investigate different aspects of ethics such as business ethics, learning more about theological issues and examining philosophical questions.
- Apply knowledge to the world around you, understanding why people do the things they do.
Progression routes and future careers
- Philosophy is an accepted A level for most degrees. Studying Theology, Religious Studies or Philosophy at degree level can lead to careers in teaching, police, and armed forces.
- Not surprisingly, many of our students pursue caring professions in medicine.