What is Philosophy, Ethics & Theology

Philosophy, Ethics and Theology is the study of the deepest questions that human beings have been fascinated by since earliest times. These ‘BIG’ questions are still debated on television and the internet, indeed they are still debated whenever you sit down with your friends for a chat.

How often have you wondered:

  • “Why am I here?”
  • “What’s the right thing to do?”
  • “What is the meaning of it all?”
  • “Why are things going wrong?”

Over the course of two years you will explore ancient and modern attempts to answer these and similar questions. You will have the opportunity to debate these answers, developing a critical skillset that is invaluable for university, and which will allow you to listen with courtesy to those who hold views different from your own.

Specifics

  • Course specific entry requirements

    Grade 5 from English (4 will be considered)

  • Assessment methods

    3 final exams

  • Course duration

    2 years

  • Course type

    Linear A-level

  • Exam board

    OCR

How you will study

We assume that not everyone will have studied this subject at GCSE and so we start from scratch. All we ask is an open mind and a willingness to work.

All of the teachers in the Philosophy, Ethics and Theology department use a range of different approaches to support students from the start to the finish of their A-level course, so that all students learn effectively.

There is a focus on developing writing skills to prepare for the final examination. This is complemented by individual presentations and whole class debates. Every year there are a variety of trips to support your learning. You will be given all of the course material in attractive Topic Books and this will be supported by material on-line and in the well-resourced college library. With small class sizes and lots of teacher attention you will have every chance to achieve and exceed your potential.

Course content summary:

  • Philosophy of Religion:

    You will explore some of the main ideas put forward by philosophers, be introduced to classical arguments for the existence of God and research one religious figure of your choice.

  • Religion and Ethics:

    You will explore and debate competing ideas that have been put forward to help people make right choices in their lives.

  • Christian Theology:

    You will explore the different ways that the life of Jesus has been interpreted.

What can I do after Xaverian?

Philosophy, Ethics and Theology helps you to see the world from different viewpoints.

It is a well-established A-level that introduces you to fascinating ideas from the three disciplines of Philosophy, Ethics and Theology. No wonder our students develop excellent skills in evaluating, debating, arguing, speaking and writing whilst respecting viewpoints that are different from their own.

Philosophy, Ethics and Theology opens doors to many courses and careers. Universities and employers recognise that you develop a good analytical mind and the ability to reason and express yourself well.

Former students have gone on to pursue careers in journalism, publishing, marketing, nursing and teaching, to name but a few.

What else might you do?

  • We have a wide and varied range of opportunities to enhance your learnings, including a lake district residential, a visit to Rome and a camping trip

  • We will visit all manner of religious and spiritual places of worship and knowledge bases to better understand each religion and belief, and the writings that support those beliefs and traditions

  • There will be guest speakers and visits from religious experts and leaders

What can I do after Xaverian?

Philosophy, Ethics and Theology helps you to see the world from different viewpoints.

It is a well-established A-level that introduces you to fascinating ideas from the three disciplines of Philosophy, Ethics and Theology. No wonder our students develop excellent skills in evaluating, debating, arguing, speaking and writing whilst respecting viewpoints that are different from their own.

Philosophy, Ethics and Theology opens doors to many courses and careers. Universities and employers recognise that you develop a good analytical mind and the ability to reason and express yourself well.

Former students have gone on to pursue careers in journalism, publishing, marketing, nursing and teaching, to name but a few.

What else might you do?

  • We have a wide and varied range of opportunities to enhance your learnings, including a lake district residential, a visit to Rome and a camping trip

  • We will visit all manner of religious and spiritual places of worship and knowledge bases to better understand each religion and belief, and the writings that support those beliefs and traditions

  • There will be guest speakers and visits from religious experts and leaders