Philosophy & Ethics
KEY STAGE 3 CURRICULUM OUTLINE
Our Key Stage 3 curriculum is planned to prepare students for work at GCSE level. Skills and knowledge required to be successful in this are taught through a range of topics, which include areas requested through student voice.
Year 7 - Students consider the concept of ‘God’ and what this means for people of different faiths, as well as those with no faith. This is developed by examining different ways in which people express faith through worship – both religious and secular. We then study a topic on Significant Places and conclude the year by asking, ‘What Happens When We Die?’
Year 8 - Our curriculum takes on a more ethical approach and students begin the year studying a unit about the concept of the Sanctity of Life. The topic for the Spring term is all about Jesus and different interpretations of who he was and what his purpose was. Year 8 culminates in a unit on Crime and Punishment – examining both the causes of crime and the range of consequences, as well as religious and secular responses to these.
KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM OUTLINE
Our GCSE students follow the Edexcel Religious Studies B course. This begins with students studying some of the key beliefs that underpin Christianity. These include: the nature of God; Jesus’ life, death and resurrection; the origins of the universe; life after death and evil and suffering.
Year 11 (GCSE): Students in Year 11 will be starting their study of Islam. This comprises learning about the six articles of faith / six pillars of Islam: Tawhid (the ‘oneness’ of God); Angels; Islamic Holy books; Prophets; The Day of Judgement and Predestination. We will be examining the historical context of these beliefs, as well as their impact on Muslims in Britain today through a more focused examination of the Five Pillars (faith; prayer; charity; fasting; pilgrimage). Our study of Islam concludes with a unit on crime and punishment and a unit examining peace and conflict.
'Philosophy and Ethics doesn't answer the big questions in life, but gives you the opportunity to learn about these big questions.' Mr Cawthraw
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES AND PATHWAYS POST 16
Philosophy and Ethics is a great qualification for any job that involves working with people, for example; Doctor, Teacher, shop worker or Solicitor. It is also useful for those who intend to join the Armed Forces and who may be posted in countries where it is important to understand some of the core beliefs and practices of the people there.
Philosophy and Ethics helps learners understand people and allows them to formulate their own beliefs and opinions, which they can discuss in an open environment. It also equips students with essay writing, research, explanation and justification skills – all of which are vital for further study at A Level or above.
EXTRA CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
Homework / Study support drop in sessions –Tuesday and Thursday after the Academy day ends.
"Philosophy and Ethics helps learners understand people and allows them to formulate their own beliefs and opinions, which they can discuss in an open environment."