Philosophy & Ethics

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

Mahatma Gandhi

Welcome to the Philosophy & Ethics subject page. Below you will find a breakdown of each year group, including what is taught, how we assess, what enrichment opportunities there are and what can be expected in terms of homework. If you need any further information, please contact the Head of Department, Mrs Davies at tdavies@cromwell.cambs.sch.uk.

Click here to see a visual representation of our Philosophy & Ethics curriculum from Year 7 - Year 13

Philosophy & Ethics/Religious Education Curriculum Map - EYFS to Year 13 

Homework

Homework is set on a regular basis by the class teacher and can be accessed by logging into your Go4Schools account. 

Here are links to websites to enhance your learning: 

 

Ability Grouping

Philosophy & Ethics is taught in mixed ability groups. 

Teaching Staff

Curriculum 

Primary Phase

In primary school children are introduced to many different faiths. Religious Education (RE) aims to help develop pupils' knowledge of the world's principal religious traditions and worldviews and promote tolerance and understanding.

“The ability to understand the faith or belief of individuals and communities, and how these may shape their culture and behaviour, is an invaluable asset for children in modern day Britain. Explaining religious and non-religious worldviews in an academic way allows young people to engage with the complexities of belief, avoid stereotyping and contribute to an informed debate” – Why RE Matters -The RE Council

Our long term plan for RE sets out the skills and progression children will encounter on their RE journey as they develop knowledge, understanding and skills to learn about religion and from religion.  

Key Stage 3

What do we teach?

Please follow the link at the top of this page to view the Philosophy & Ethics Curriculum Map.

How do we assess learning?

Follow the links below to determine if your child is working to secure level:

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
Autumn Term	Autumn Term	Autumn Term

Key Stage 4

AQA GCSE Religious Studies Specification A 8062

What will I study?

You will study two religions in depth (Christianity and Buddhism) looking at beliefs, teachings and practices and their basis in sources of wisdom and authority. You will also look at the influence of the beliefs, teachings and practices on individuals, communities and societies.  In addition to this, you will examine a variety of moral issues, consider and present your own views and discuss those of others.  You will learn to appreciate the diversity of people’s cultures and spirituality while developing an empathy with, and understanding of, key life issues.  In this way you will be able to make informed choices about the world you live in. 

There are two parts to the course:

The study of religious beliefs, teachings and practices in:

Christianity and Buddhism.

AND

Thematic studies in religions, philosophical and ethical studies:

You will study four topics:

• Religion and life
• Religion peace and conflict
• Religion crime and punishment
• Religion human rights and social justice

How will I learn?

Your lessons will involve a whole range of different activities including discussions, role play, reflection, research and written work. Being able to show an awareness of current affairs will be a significant advantage through watching the news and / or reading the newspapers. You will need to be prepared to contribute to lessons in order to process your thoughts as you will need to establish your own opinion in the areas you will study.

How will I be assessed?

There will be a half-termly assessment at the end of each topic.  However, only the written public exam counts towards the GCSE.  You will sit two written exam papers at the end of Year 11, one for each unit. This will be a mixture of stimulus response, key facts and evaluation questions.  You will also be required to have formed opinions on many of the moral issues raised.  Each paper is 1 hour 45 minutes and each accounts for 50% of your grade.

Click here to view the GCSE Philosophy & Ethics exam specification

Will there be any controlled assessment?

There is no controlled assessment for this course.

Will there be any independent study?

Independent study will be essential. You will be provided with revision notes, booklets and mind mapping practice as this will be essential to ensure progression.  All independent study will be past examination questions to ensure coverage of material over the course.

Where can this course take me?

Religious studies develops the same academic skills as other humanities subjects.  For example, the ability to find out information, make decisions and evaluate evidence.  In the world of work, employers look for someone with an enquiring mind who has an appreciation of different viewpoints and the ability to make clear balanced decisions.  These skills can all be developed through religious studies.

Religious studies is a valuable entry qualification into post 16 education, A levels, vocational courses and further education opportunities. Universities welcome pupils with religious studies qualifications onto a variety of courses.

Key Stage 5

WJEC Eduqas GCE A Level in Religious Studies

Religious Studies A Level

A Level Religious Studies allows you to apply a wide range of concepts, better enabling you to interpret, contextualise and analyse expressions of religions and world views. It encourages you to develop an appreciation of religious thought and its contribution to individuals, communities, and societies.

You will use ideas from a range of approaches to the study of religions and beliefs to research and present well-informed and reasonable arguments, which engage profoundly with moral, religious and spiritual issues.

The course content is as follows:

• Philosophy of Religion
  • Arguments for the existence of God
  • Challenges to religious belief including the problem of evil and suffering and religious belief being a product of the mind
  • Religious experience
  • Religious language
• Religion and Ethics
  • A study of three ethical theories
  • Application of ethical theories to issues of importance
  • Ethical thought
  • Deontological ethics
  • Teleological ethics and determinism
  • Free will.
• Study of Religion: Hinduism
  • Religious beliefs, values and teachings
  • Sources of wisdom and authority
  • Practices that shape and express religious identity
  • Social and historical developments
  • Works of scholars
  • Religion and society
  • Primary texts

Examination Board: WJEC 

Click here to view the A Level Religious Studies exam specification