What is it?

A subject for people who are not afraid to ask big questions and are interested in knowing what our deepest thinkers say about God, science and free will.

Why study this subject at Blackpool Sixth?

A highly recognised subject for people who are looking for a strong academic discipline. Explore the great philosophical works from the past and present whilst developing high-level analytical and evaluative skills.

What skills will I develop?

  • Analysing
  • Critical thinking
  • Evaluating
  • Interpreting complex text
  • Constructing essays/extended essay writing
  • Communicating religious, ethical and philosophical concepts and applying them to every day life
  • Empathy/listening skills
  • Understanding different cultures and traditions
  • Think for yourself!
  • Discover and justify your own beliefs

How will I be taught?

Group activities, debate, teacher-led lessons, and grappling with academic texts.

How will I be assessed?

100% examination. Two exams at the end of the two year course.

Teacher expertise

The REP teacher has studied theology and philosophy for 30 years, attaining MA in 2005. Taught A level REP since 2008 at Casterton Independent Girls’ School; Lancaster Girls’ Grammar and Blackpool Sixth. AQA A level examiner. Held the following community positions that are relevant to the role: Member of Preston City Council Community Cohesion Group; Vice Chair of Preston Faith forum; Active member of Preston City Churches Together; Trustee of Methodist Action North West; Chair of Fox Street Nightshelter.

Field trips, projects and employability opportunities

The Humanities department organises a programme of visits.  Previous visit destinations have included Rome and London.

Where does it lead?

Students have gone on to study philosophy or theology at prestigious universities such as Liverpool, Manchester and Lancaster. Other students have used their REP A level to gain entry to university to study other subjects such as English, history, psychology. Some students have entered the workplace and gained employment. In 2017 one student joined the Project Manager apprenticeship scheme at BAe Systems and another obtained an apprenticeship at Rolls Royce.

Equipment

PDF Booklets are supplied at the beginning of the course which can be printed out at the student’s expense.

Examination board

AQA

What will I study?

What will I study?

  • Philosophy of Religion
  • Arguments for the existence of God
  • Evil and Suffering
  • Religious Experience
  • Religious Language
  • Miracles
  • Self and life after death, ethics and religion
  • Ethical theories
  • Issues of human life and death
  • Issues of animal life and death
  • Introduction to meta ethics
  • Free will and moral responsibility
  • Conscience
  • Bentham and Kant Study of Christianity
  • Sources of wisdom and authority
  • God
  • Self, death and the after life
  • Good conduct and key moral principles
  • Expression of religious identity
  • Religion, gender and sexuality
  • Religion and science
  • Religion and secularisation
  • Religion and religious pluralism

Specific Requirements

  • Grade 5 in GCSE English Language is preferred.