Philosophy, Religion & Ethics

Philosophy, Religion & Ethics (WJEC Religious Studies) is a compulsory subject at Key Stage Four and all pupils will be entered for the Full Course GCSE.

In Year 9 students begin the GCSE course on Unit 1: Religion and Philosophical Themes. Students begin with a study of Issues of Good & Evil, exploring concepts concerning Morality and how we know the difference between right and wrong. They enjoy a study of crime, punishment and the treatment of criminals, while also exploring the ethical issues concerning the death penalty. Students further explore the ethics of war, the concept of pacifism and the debate to whether war can ever be justified. They finish by looking at peace and forgiveness, engaging with case studies of individuals who have been able to find strength in forgiveness and those who have struggled to do so.

Students continue with their philosophical studies through the topic Issues of Life and Death in Year 10 where they engage with the philosophical question about ‘When life begins’. They explore the arguments from the Quality of Life and the Sanctity of Life standpoint, studying both religious and non-religious perspectives on medical issues surrounding abortion, euthanasia and organ donation.

In Unit 1 students also engage with a study of Religion, exploring both Christianity and Islam in depth. Students will engage with the beliefs, teachings and practices of both religions in order to gain a bespoke insight, understanding and appreciation of each.

At the end of Year 10, all students will sit the WJEC Unit 1 examination which is worth 50% of the overall GCSE qualification. This examination is 2 hours.

Philosophy, Religion & Ethics (WJEC Religious Studies) is a compulsory subject at Key Stage Four and all pupils will be entered for the Full Course GCSE.

When entering Year 11, students will have already completed their Unit 1 examination based on Religion and Philosophical Themes. They will have sat the examination in the Summer of Year 10 and will be in a position where they already have 50% of the GCSE qualification completed.
Year 11 students will be in a position where they will begin the Unit 2 course: Religion and Ethical Themes. This course entails a study of two ethical topics: Relationships and Human Rights. Starting with relationships, students will explore the notion of family the role of men and women within the family and society, both traditionally and in modern times. Students will engage with the concepts of marriage, cohabitation, separation and divorce, while also understanding the ethics around sexual relationships, including contraception and chastity.

Within the study of Human Rights, students understand the concepts of prejudice and discrimination, exploring issues of wealth and poverty, equality and justice. Students will also grapple with contentious and sensitive topics such as religious extremism, censorship and the freedom of speech. This enables students to develop an understanding of their rights, responsibilities and duties within society, encouraging them to become ethical contributors who take social action against injustice.

As with Unit 1, in Unit 2 students also engage with a study of Religion, developing and deepening their knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Christianity and Islam.

At the end of Year 11, all students will sit the WJEC Unit 2 examination which is also worth 50% of the overall GCSE qualification. This examination is 2 hours.

At A Level, students have the option to study the WJEC Religious Studies course which includes Philosophy, Ethics and a study of Buddhism.

Religion, Philosophy and Ethics offers students at A level the opportunities to engage with fundamental, contentious, ultimate questions and hot topics. It encourages students to delve deeper into issues concerning life and morality, while also pushing you to grapple with the thoughts and teachings of both ancient and modern philosophers. Coupled with Philosophy and Ethics, you are also provided with opportunities to study the beliefs, practices and teachings of a religion.

Religion, Philosophy and Ethics offers students at A level the opportunities to engage with fundamental, contentious, ultimate questions and hot topics. It encourages you to delve deeper into issues concerning life and morality, while also pushing you to grapple with the thoughts and teachings of both ancient and modern philosophers. Coupled with Philosophy and Ethics, you are also provided with opportunities to study the beliefs, practices and teachings of a religion.

Throughout the course students develop personal autonomy in critical thinking. The philosophy course encourages students to delve into cosmology and explore the Teleological, Cosmological and Ontological arguments for the existence of God. Students will take a philosophical approach to these topics and will gain a deep understanding of design, causation and contingency. Students will also explore challenges to religion and will understand the Problem of Evil, the recognition of suffering and pain, the rise in atheism, agnosticism and anti-theism, and will explore the psychology of religion through the work of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. The ethics course cultivates enquiry, analysis and evaluation skills and allows students to construct balanced, informed and evidenced arguments.