Page 40 - Seaford College Sixth Form Options 2026 Entry

Philosophy, Religion and
Ethics A Level (OCR)
Head of Department:
Mr A Stark
Overview
Students of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics (PRE) engage
in contemporarily relevant discussions, the implications
Teaching Staff:
Mr A Stark
Miss M Hamilton
of which directly relate to and impact upon the world as
we know it today. For instance, euthanasia, gender theory,
liberation theology, practical ethics and post-modern
critiques of language and power are just a few of the
topics we explore which continue to challenge lawmakers,
politicians and religious institutions. It is untrue that there are no answers in philosophy. Rather,
it is that when we critically and patiently observe and question the world, we often realise that
there are just too many contrasting albeit convincing answers for us to wholeheartedly commit
ourselves to any one. PRE thus encourages scepticism and warns against absolutism. The
PRE A Level explores the development of philosophy and ethics through the lens of Christian
theology. Students are welcomed—indeed, encouraged— to critique all faiths, perspectives and
ideologies. Nothing should go unquestioned.
Course Content
1. Philosophy (33.3%)
Topics covered: Plato
and Aristotle; Soul, Mind
and Body; Empiricism;
Rationalism; Religious
Experience; The Problem
of Evil; The Nature of God;
Religious Language; 20th
Century Perspectives on
Religious Language.
2. Ethics (33.3%)
Topics covered: Natural
Moral Law; Situation Ethics;
Kantian Ethics; Utilitarianism;
Euthanasia; Business Ethics;
Metaethics; Conscience;
Sexual Ethics.
3. Christian Developments
(33.3%)
Topics covered: Augustine;
Death and the Afterlife;
Knowledge of God; The
Person of Jesus; Christian
Moral Principles; Christian
Moral Action; Pluralism and
Theology; Pluralism and
Society; Gender and Society;
Gender and Theology;
Secularism; Liberation
Theology and Karl Marx.
Expectations
Students should be
intellectually curious and
possess an aptitude for
abstract thinking and
self-reflexivity.
Autonomy, organisation, as
well as a thorough discursive
and academic engagement
are critical for students
seeking to excel. To this end,
all students are given access
to our unique suite of online
resources, the PRE A Level
Navigator.
Future Pathway
The study of PRE cultivates
skills which are transferable
and highly valued in both
corporate and academic
spheres, be that within
the fields of philosophy
and theology, the human
sciences, law, marketing,
journalism, teaching or social
work.
Key Skills
Students will develop skills
in critical and contextual
analysis, extended essay
writing, textual analysis
and an appreciation for a
diversity of world views.
Recommended Entry
Requirements
Grade 6 at GCSE English
Literature or Language, and
in a Humanities subject;
Religious Studies is ideal but
not essential.
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