Page 48 - Sixth Form Courses 2026-2028

A LEVEL
PHILOSOPHY

OVERVIEW Philosophy is about questioning everything in the attempt to find certain truth and
understand our experiences of the world. It is about constructing an argument
with no holes in it and looking for flaws in the arguments of others.
Philosophy is a subject unlike any other and it’s not what most people expect. The
course was not created just so that people could study it; it is an activity and a
way of thinking more than a set of things to learn. Philosophy will make you
question every assumption you ever made. It will make you look at the world more
rationally and spot when people are using poor logic. It will make you very difficult
to beat in an argument, set you up for any profession, and goes well with all A
level choices.

APPROACH Discussion, debate, and argument are still at the very centre of what we do. An A
level Philosophy student will experience a learning environment that will be useful
preparation for a wide variety of higher education courses and the development of
independent learning skills. During lesson time our students are engaged in
discussions, activities, reading and note-taking, which is centred around the
various topics outlined in the course.

COURSE OUTLINE On a daily basis you will be asked to read short but dense philosophical arguments
which you will be expected to analyse.
To be a good philosopher you must be able to construct rigorous, precise and
logical arguments. In the Lower Sixth we will be asking questions like: What is the
difference between knowing and believing? Is there anything at all which it is
impossible to doubt? How should we decide what is right and wrong? Can we
know for sure? Ultimately, is happiness all that matters?
In Year 2 (Upper Sixth) we will turn our attention to questions like: If God is
all-knowing, all-powerful and supremely good, why do bad things happen? Can we
prove that God exists, or doesn’t exist? Is the mind in the brain? Is there any part
of us that survives our death?
The course is assessed through two 3 hour papers, the first asking questions on
Epistemology (theory of knowledge) and Moral Philosophy (what is right and
wrong). The second asks questions on the metaphysics of God and the
metaphysics of mind.
FURTHER INFORMATION We value: scholarship, integrity, individuality, energy, desire for knowledge,
creativity and application.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS A minimum of either grade 6 (B) in English Language or grade 6 (B) in English
Literature at GCSE is essential to take this course.
Grade 6 (B) in Mathematics is also desirable.

EXAM BOARD AND 7172
SPECIFICATION https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/philosophy/a-level/philosophy-7172

CONTACT Head of RS & Philosophy
Mr j Melligan
melligan.j@millfieldschool.com

MILLFIELD SIXTH FORM 2026-2028 46