The Philosophy and Ethics GCSE offers students the opportunity to explore the world of belief and religious life through the study of, and reflection on, stimulating philosophical and ethical issues. Students will have the opportunity to offer personal responses and informed insights on these fundamental questions and issues.

For this full course exam students will study 2 components:

Component 1: The beliefs, teachings and practises of 2 religions. Christianity                                        and Buddhism.

Component 2: Two ethical and philosophical themes:

•  Peace and conflict. This includes the use of nuclear weapons, the role of  multi-national organisation such as Nato, terrorism and pacifism
•  Relationships and the family. This includes gender roles, equality, gender prejudice and discrimination.                               

In this GCSE we will study these philosophical and ethical issues through the perspectives of two religions, depending on the topic. Students will also be encouraged to explore and research the viewpoints and perspectives from other faiths. In the assessment students are encouraged to argue from a secular viewpoint and, where appropriate, to explore perspectives from faiths other than the six major world faiths.

There are no controlled assessments for this GCSE. Assessment is by exam only (a 1 hour 45 minute written paper).

In the exam students will be expected to show sound factual knowledge relating to the issues and an ability to demonstrate understanding and explanation of religious viewpoints. The ability to describe, explain and analyse using appropriate knowledge and understanding will be important, as is the ability to produce a personal view in response to modern ethical concerns.

This is a valuable GCSE which is respected by sixth form colleges, universities and employers. It will help to develop enquiring minds, critical thinking and the ability to respond to a range of philosophical and ethical issues through the development of analytical skills.

The Philosophy and Ethics GCSE offers students the opportunity to explore the world of belief and religious life through the study of, and reflection on, stimulating philosophical and ethical issues. Students will have the opportunity to offer personal responses and informed insights on these fundamental questions and issues.

For this course exam students will study 2 components:

Component 1: The beliefs, teachings and practises of 2 religions. Christianity                                        and Buddhism.

Component 2: Four ethical and philosophical themes:

• Peace and conflict.
• Human rights and social justice.
• Crime and punishment.
• Religion and life, including environmentalism, medical ethics, the origins of the universe and evolution.

In this GCSE we will study these philosophical and ethical issues through the perspectives of two religions, depending on the topic. Students will also be encouraged to explore and research the viewpoints and perspectives from other faiths. In the assessment students are encouraged to argue from a secular viewpoint and, where appropriate, to explore perspectives from faiths other than the six major world faiths.

There are no controlled assessments for this GCSE. Assessment is by exam only (a 1 hour 45 minute written paper for each unit).

In the exam students will be expected to show sound factual knowledge relating to the issues and an ability to demonstrate understanding and explanation of religious viewpoints. The ability to describe, explain and analyse using appropriate knowledge and understanding will be important, as is the ability to produce a personal view in response to modern ethical concerns.

This is a valuable GCSE which is respected by sixth form colleges, universities and employers. It will help to develop enquiring minds, critical thinking and the ability to respond to a range of philosophical and ethical issues through the development of analytical skills.