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 work; paired work; e-learning including Google drive, Google Classroom, youtube, kahoot and twitter, 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
Specific Requirements
- Grade 5 in GCSE Religious Studies (if studied at school) and grade 5 in GCSE English Language is preferred but a grade 4 in either/both will be considered
What will I study?
Year 1
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Philosophy of Religion Year 1: investigate various arguments for the existence of God, argue about the impact and evaluation of evil in the world, and examine how people’s experiences influence their perspective on the world
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Ethics Year 1: research 3 different ethical theories and apply the theories to contemporary issues such as abortion, designer babies, blood sports and intensive farming
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Christianity Year 1: examine different historical elements and traditions of belief
Year 2
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Philosophy of religion Year 2: tackle some of the big questions: what happens when we die? What evidence is there for belief in an afterlife? Do miracles occur and if so, why?
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Ethics Year 2: do you know if what you have done is good? How do you evaluate whether it is good or not? Do you have free will or are you conditioned from birth? What is conscience?
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Christianity Year 2: are religion and science compatible? Is militant atheism on the rise? How do religious people engage with other faiths? Are religious people free to express their beliefs or are their restrictions?