Religious Education

"The unexamined life is not worth living."

Socrates

Course Summary

This A Level offers an in-depth exploration of key philosophical, ethical, and theological ideas, encouraging students to engage with some of the most profound questions about human existence, morality, and belief.

In the Philosophy section, students examine fundamental questions such as the nature of reality, the existence of God, and the problem of evil. They will explore and evaluate key philosophical arguments, including those from thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Descartes.

The Ethics component focuses on moral decision-making and applied ethics. Students will study ethical theories such as Utilitarianism, Natural Law, and Situation Ethics, applying them to contemporary issues like euthanasia, sexual ethics, and business ethics.

Finally, the Christian Thought section explores theological concepts within Christianity, including the nature of God, death and the afterlife, and the role of scripture. It also considers the influence of Christianity on society, addressing topics like secularism, religious pluralism, and feminist theology.

Throughout the course, students will develop critical thinking skills, engage in debates, and learn to construct well-reasoned arguments, preparing them for further study in philosophy, theology, and/or law.

Topics Covered

Philosophy of Religion

Plato

Aristotle

Soul, body and mind

Ontological argument

Teleological argument

Cosmological argument

Religious Experiences

Problem of Evil

Religious Ethics

Natural Law

Situation Ethics

Kantian Ethics

Utilitarianism

Euthanasia

Business Ethics

Developments in Christian Thought

Augustine and Original Sin

Knowledge of God

Jesus Christ

The Afterlife

Christian Moral Principles

Christian Moral Action

Year 13

Philosophy of Religion

Nature and attributes of God

Religious Language

Religious Ethics

Meta-ethics

Conscience

Sexual ethics

Developments in Christian Thought

Religious Pluralism and Theology

Religious Pluralism and Society

Gender and Society

Gender and Theology

The Challenge of Secularism

Liberation Theology and Marx

Assessment method

1 Philosophy exam (2 hours) (33%)

1 Ethics exam (2 hours) (33%)

1 Christian thought exam (2 hours) (33%)

Enrichment and Extra-Curricular

Students have the ability to develop their understanding of philosophical, religious and ethical issues through a number of extra-curricular activities. Year 12 and 13 students attend lectures with other schools in the Borough. This includes a trip to Southwark Diocese headquarters to attend an A Level conference and a trip to St. Mary’s University to attend their Philosophy day.

Exam board

OCR Religious Studies H573

Course Specification

Past papers:

Reading and Resources

Textbook Year 1

Textbook Year 2:

Revision guides

Oxford A Level Religious Studies for OCR Revision Guide: Get Revision with Results

My Revision Notes OCR A Level Religious Studies: Philosophy of Religion

Oxford A Level Religious Studies for OCR Revision Guide: Get Revision with Results