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Philosophy

Character is destiny.

Heraclitus


A Level Philosophy is relevant to all BA and BSc degrees as it involves religions, history, politics, literature, sociology, science and ethics etc.
Philosophy is popular with employers as it shows an ability to work with and understand other people, ideas, culture, opinions, ways of life etc.

KS5 A Level Philosophy

Please click here for the AQA Philosophy webpage.

Please see below for the AQA Philosophy A Level Specification 7172.

Student Course Criteria

This course will appeal to students who have:

  • An analytical mind that is keen to enquire and evaluate.
  • A willingness to discuss and debate a variety of philosophical thought such as Descartes, Hume and Locke.
  • Precision and logic.
  • An interest in pursuing a career such as Law, Business and ethical careers such as the medical field and social work.

Year 12

Epistemology (study of knowledge - how do we know what is true and real?)

Year 13

Metaphysics of God (study of the role God plays)

Component 1 

This component introduces students to the study of Philosophy by looking at:

  • What is knowledge?
  • Perception as a source of knowledge
  • Reason as a source of knowledge
  • The limits of knowledge

Component 3 

The second year of learning focuses firstly on the Philosophy of Religion and theories on God's involvement

  • The concept and nature of 'God'
  • Arguments relating to the existence of God
  • Religious language

Component 2 

Moral philosophy (study of right from wrong and the choices we make)

  • Moving into the second section where students study ethical theories of Philosophy
  • Normative ethical theories
  • Applied ethics
  • Meta-ethics

Component 4 

Metaphysics of mind (study of the link between mind and body)

What do we mean by 'mind'?

The final component is centred on the relationship between the mind and body

  • Dualist theories
  • Physicalist theories
  • Functionalism

Course Assessment

1. Written exam – 3 hours 100 marks

Section A: Five questions on Epistemology 

Section B: Five questions on moral philosophy

2. Written exam – 3 hours 100 marks

Section A: Five questions on the metaphysics of God

Section B: Five questions on the metaphysics of mind

A Level Philosophy is relevant to all BA and BSc degrees as it involves religions, history, politics, literature, sociology, science and ethics etc.
Philosophy is popular with employers as it shows an ability to work with and understand other people, ideas, culture, opinions, ways of life etc. 

Securing a Place at Post-16

No previous study of Religious Studies is necessary. We require enthusiasm and an enquiring mind. However, you should have achieved a good range of GCSE grades including a grade 6 in English as Philosophy contains many different disciplines. 

Our Curriculum Deputy Headteacher, Ms J Foster, will be happy to supply further detail and more information if required.

Please contact her at ecsgeneral@enfieldcs.enfield.sch.uk or telephone 020 8363 3030.