Philosophy deals with the big questions in life and examines the rich treasure trove of answers to questions such as: How are we to live? Is there meaning to life? What is human consciousness? Philosophy A level will appeal to students who enjoy thinking deeply, reading critically and expressing their ideas clearly in essays and discussion. Studying philosophy helps you think in a different way and research a topic thoroughly. Your opinion will be challenged in lively classroom discussion as you are led through the maze of dilemmas.
Entry with:
GCSE grade B in a subject requiring good writing skills e.g. English or humanities
- • Each year the philosophy society arranges outside speakers.
- • The course prepares students well for university, both in philosophy itself, but also in a wide variety of areas like journalism, media, law, as well as in allied academic subjects.
Awarding body:
AQA
AS Level Units
Unit 1: • Reason and Experience - How do we gain knowledge? Can we be certain that we know what we know?
• Why should I be moral? - How do we distinguish what is right from what is wrong?
Unit 2: • The value of art - Do we value art because it represents truth, conveys emotion or expresses formal qualities?
• Free will and determinism - Are we free to choose or is our behaviour somehow programmed?
Advanced (A2) Level Units
Unit 3: • Philosophy of mind - A philosophical examination of the nature of consciousness. What exactly is a thought?
• Philosophy of Religion - A philosophical evaluation of religious faith, which focuses on belief in God and miracles.
Unit 4: • Text - Descartes ‘The Meditations’ – a philosophical classic on epistemology and metaphysics.
| | Year | Qual | A* | A | B | C | D | E | U | A-C | A-E |
| Philosophy | 11/12 | A | 1 | 11 | 18 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
89.6%
|
100.0%
|
| Philosophy | 10/11 | A | 5 | 18 | 19 | 15 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
95.0%
|
100.0%
|
| Philosophy | 09/10 | A | 1 | 15 | 35 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
95.3%
|
100.0%
|
| Philosophy | 08/09 | A | | 29 | 19 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
94.6%
|
98.2%
|
| Philosophy | 07/08 | A | | 22 | 14 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
88.0%
|
100.0%
|
| Philosophy | 11/12 | AS | | 27 | 18 | 18 | 11 | 2 | 2 |
80.8%
|
97.4%
|
| Philosophy | 10/11 | AS | | 44 | 33 | 17 | 6 | 4 | 0 |
90.4%
|
100.0%
|
| Philosophy | 09/10 | AS | | 42 | 32 | 19 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
93.0%
|
100.0%
|
| Philosophy | 08/09 | AS | | 48 | 20 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
92.7%
|
100.0%
|
| Philosophy | 07/08 | AS | | 39 | 17 | 8 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
90.1%
|
100.0%
|
- • Well-qualified, experienced teachers
- • Good classroom facilities in modern teaching block
- • Excellent library resources
- • Open-plan computer work area
- • Opportunities of one-to-one support from teachers
“I like the fact that Philosophy allows creativity in formulating one’s own opinions, expressing them articulately and defending them against attack. The staff are very supportive and the lessons are highly enjoyable.”
Ben Nelmes
“Philosophy is the subject that teaches you to think and the teachers are very good at helping you to do this. They are also very good at teaching you to ask unanswerable questions and how to win arguments. The Philosophy Society regularly invites speakers to come into College and discuss questions. There is definitely something for everyone in Philosophy.”
Sophie FitzMaurice