Philosophy AS/A Level

Curriculum Area: Theology and Care

Philosophy AS/A Level

This course is for lively thinkers who are interested in exploring issues in the history of thought.

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

This is taken in the first year and comprises 5 modules for 2 exams in June

Unit 1 Introduction to philosophy 1: ‘Reason and Experience’ and ‘Persons’. Unit 2 Introduction to philosophy 2: ‘Free Will and Determinism’, ‘The Value of Art’ and ‘Tolerance’.

Advanced Level (A2)

Students can progress to the full Advanced Level [A2] in the second year of study and the modules with 2 exams in June are as follows:

Unit 3 Themes in philosophy: Moral and Political Philosophy Unit 4 Problems in philosophy: study of a primary text, either Plato’s ‘Republic’ or Nietzsche’s ‘Beyond Good and Evil’

Methods of Teaching and Learning

The course is tutored by well-qualified staff who use a range of teaching methods - both group and individual work. Students will be asked to do presentations, to do research, to develop their skills, as well as doing structured discussion + analysis of arguments. There are informed discussions in class and weekly written arguments.

Methods of Assessment

The course will be assessed by 2 written examinations in each year. Students have the opportunity to retake AS modules the following year.

Course Combinations

Philosophy complements Law, Social Sciences, Maths, Physical Sciences, Humanities, and can be taken with Art and Creative subjects to provide a contrasting style of learning. It is similar in some ways to Religious Studies.

Resources

Support for students’ learning is provided through set texts, summaries and support material, as well as the use of Library and Internet, journals, etc.

Progression

Philosophy is valuable for students going on to any degree in Higher Education, as well as good training for a working career. It develops the ability to think, to assess arguments and other points of view. It is an unusual therefore distinctive A-Level.

Entry Requirements

Five GCSE’s at grade C or above, or the equivalent, from four subject areas including GCSE English. Four of these qualifying GCSE subjects should be at grade B or above. Strength in Mathematical/Scientific areas and good literary essay writing skills are an advantage.

Charges

The only charges made are for occasional external courses or conferences to which students may be invited.