Wallingford School

Philosophy, Religion & Ethics

Statue of a man thinkingOCR A Level

Why study Philosophy, Religion & Ethics?

In Philosophy, Religion and Ethics you will have the opportunity to investigate the bigger questions in life such as: Is there a God? Why do people suffer? Is there a right way to behave? You will study some of the most influential thinkers in Western Philosophy. The course will enable you to challenge your own preconceptions and begin to think in new ways. You will apply what you have learnt to highly debated topics like Euthanasia. You will also study the development of Christian thought throughout history, engaging with topics like feminist theology which will allow you to reflect on issues such as gender identity, equality and discrimination and the social influence of religious institutions.The course will investigate different viewpoints including both religious and secular. The subject will allow you to develop your ability to critically evaluate and form reasoned arguments. This subject will be enjoyed by those who like to debate and articulate their ideas.

What will I study? 

01 Philosophy of Religion – This component is worth 33.3%
  • ancient philosophical influences
  • the nature of the soul, mind and body
  • arguments about the existence or non-existence of God
  • the nature and impact of religious experience
  • the challenge for religious belief of the problem of evil
  • ideas about the nature of God
  • issues in religious language
02 Religion and Ethics- This component is worth 33.3%
  • ethical theories
  • the application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance including euthanasia
  • debates surrounding the significant idea of conscience
  • sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious beliefs
03 Developments in religious thought (Christianity)- This component is worth 33.3%
  • religious beliefs, values and teachings and how they vary historically and in the modern world.
  • significant social and historical developments in theology and religious thought.
  • key themes related to the relationship between religion and society

How will my work be assessed?

Each component will be assessed with a 2 hour exam worth 120 marks.

What are the entry requirements?

English GCSE Grade 6 or above