Philosophy
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Blocks
1
Level
A-Level
Course Length
2 Years
Timetable
Full Time
Reasons to study Philosophy
Consider the big questions such as: ‘What is knowledge?’ ‘What do good, bad, right and wrong really mean?’ ‘Is the concept of God incoherent?’ and ‘What is mind?’
Philosophy is a highly-regarded subject that will strongly support university applications.
What you will study
Year 1 – Epistemology (the theory of knowledge) and Ethics.
Year 2 – Philosophy of Mind and Philosophy of Religion. You will develop your knowledge of the most profound areas of human thought and will possess abilities to discuss, and critically evaluate, the most complex ideas in both verbal and written formats.
Please note: Philosophy can only be taken as a two-year A-Level course.
Entry Criteria
self-motivation
ability to work independently
enthusiasm for Philosophy
ability to think conceptually and to grasp complex ideas
high level writing skills
ability to read and understand challenging texts
English GCSE grade 6 or above, average GCSE grade of 6 or above.
How you will be assessed
Year 1 – mock exam
Year 2 (A-Level) – three-hour exam
Exams will be a mixture of compulsory short and long essay questions.
Priestley extra
Philosophy Society meets fortnightly for students to engage in wider debates. Students are also encouraged to complete an Extended Project (EPQ) relating to a topic of their own choice.
Reading List
Hayward, Jones and Cardinal, AQA A Level Philosophy Year 1: Hodder Education
Hayward, Jones and Cardinal, AQA Paper 1 Epistemology and Moral Philosophy (My Revision Notes) Hodder Education
Warburton, N. Philosophy the basics. Routledge 1991
Gaarder, J. 1995. Sophie’s World
Hansell, N. 2016. The Sage Train (Philosophy comes to Life)
Bowie, R. 2001. Ethical Studies
Vardy, P and Grosch, P. 1999. The Puzzle of Ethics
Vary, P and Vardy, C. 2012. Ethics Matters
Thompson, M. 2010. Understand Ethics: Teach Yourself
Hodder. RS Review
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Progression
University as well as careers in teaching, public services, science, caring professions and jobs in the private sector.
How to Apply
Apply for your place early to avoid disappointment!