Course information
Religious Studies
Ashford School - Kent
01233625171
East Hill, Ashford, TN24 8PB
Course summary

The course will develop your ability to explore difficult concepts in a rational manner and is available to anyone who wants to explore some of the ‘big questions’ in life – can we trust the information we gain from our senses? Is belief in the soul and life after death rational? Do you have to be religious to do the right thing? Should everyone have the right to die? What do we mean by human nature? How do people gain knowledge of God? Philosophers and theologians have been debating these issues for millennia, and if you would like to join the ongoing search for the answers to these questions, this might just be the A level for you. This A level provides an excellent foundation for a range of careers – from medicine to public service to business, and it is increasingly relevant in this globalised world. Furthermore, it is an excellent A level to support the study of a range of subjects, from Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Art and of course, all the other Humanities. In Year 12, you will begin your philosophical quest with a foundation of Ancient-Greek thought that focuses on the work of Plato and Aristotle. This will then enable you to access arguments for the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the debate on the soul, mind and body in a coherent and logical manner. In Ethics, you will explore theories such as utilitarianism and Kantian ethics, as well as applying them to euthanasia and business ethics. In Theology, you will study topics such as Augustine’s teaching on human nature, as well as death and the afterlife. You will consider the different moral principles that exist in Christianity, and how these are put into action. In Year 13 you will explore the complex philosophical issues behind religious language and the nature of God. In Ethics, you will learn about the language used in ethics, views on the conscience, and applying ethical theories to issues in sexual ethics. In Theology you will consider the impact of pluralism, gender and secularism on Christian thought and practice.

Entry requirements

It is not necessary that you have studied RS at GCSE, and you do not need to have a religious leaning. To take the course, it is strongly recommended to have achieved GCSEs at Grade 6 or higher in English Language and English Literature, as well as Grade 5 or above in Mathematics, and if taken, a Grade 6 or above in Religious Studies. What is absolutely required though is that you have an inquisitive nature – that you love asking questions and always push for answers. With this desire to know, or to find out, the course will definitely engage you.

How you'll be assessed

External Exams (end of Year 13)

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionSouth East
Local AuthorityKent
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding Fee£32,250 - £44,685
Sixth Form Fee£21,795
AddressEast Hill, Ashford, TN24 8PB