A Level Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (RPE)
Overview:
In the modern world, where religion and politics often clash, you will gain a further understanding of the basis of beliefs and develop skills which will enable you to analyse arguments, form reasoned conclusions and be able to justify them. You will explore philosophical questions such as can God’s existence be proved? Is atheism the logical 21st Century viewpoint? Does science answer all the questions? Explore ethical theories such as utilitarianism
and situation ethics as well as applying them in medical ethics, business ethics and sexual ethics.
The course is for students who value the opportunity to explore in depth real issues concerning human existence. There is no expectation of personal religious belief, only open-mindedness. You have to be prepared to read widely,
grapple with difficult concepts and work independently.
This qualification is designed to nurture the development of critical and reflective thinking. Disciplinary study of Philosophy and Ethics, as well as exploration into developments in Buddhist thought encourages critical analysis of differing viewpoints and perspectives. Emphasis is placed on discussion and debate and this subject involves communicating with precision and clarity in essay writing, whilst constructing a clear thesis and line of argument.
“I thoroughly enjoy RPE and am really glad I chose it at A Level. All the lessons are really interesting and vary greatly. The teachers are really passionate.”
Course Structure and Content:
This is an academic subject which involves analysing and evaluating concepts that students would not necessarily have thought about before in this depth. The course is demanding and as such requires a lot of work from each of its students. You will need to be organised, motivated and enthusiastic and most importantly open to new ideas and concepts.
- Unit 1 - Ancient philosophical influences, soul mind and body, arguments for and against God’s existence, religious experience and language, the problem of evil, immortality.
- Unit 2 - Normative ethical theories, the application of normative theories to four modern day issues, ethical language and thought, debates about conscience and freewill.
- Unit 3 - Buddhist beliefs, values and teachings and their relation to the contemporary world, sources of religious wisdom and authority, practices, plus social and historical developments in Buddhist thought.
Click here to download a course flyer
Assessment:
At the end of the Lower Sixth, students sit an exam on all of the Lower Sixth content. This does not count towards the final grade, but assesses the content at this half-way point before progression to the Upper Sixth. The final assessments at the end of the Upper Sixth are as below:
- Assessment 1 - 33.3% 2 hour written paper.
- Assessment 2 - 33.3% 2 hour written paper.
- Assessment 3 - 33.3% 2 hour written paper.
Examination Board:
The course followed is the OCR A Level Religious Studies H573D
OCR A Level Religious Studies (external link)
Future Career Opportunities:
Religion, Philosophy and Ethics opens up a world of opportunities. Students may study degree level Philosophy, RS, PPE, Humanities and wider areas of social science. Graduates of RPE are valued in a variety of work places such as law, medical ethics, AI, media, civil service, politics, social care and, in fact, any career working with people.