Religion, Philosophy and Ethics A Level

Applicants will only be considered once all the application information has been completed including predicted and/or actual grades and references.

Applicants with non-UK qualifications, for example, overseas qualifications, will be required to have the equivalence of their qualifications verified by UK ENIC (the wider European title for national recognition agencies www.enic.org.uk) who will charge the you a fee for providing this ‘Statement of Comparability’. If you are unable to gain a Statement of Comparability, we reserve the right to withdraw your application due to the lack of comparable grade evidence. We are required to ensure that students are eligible for ESFA funding, which is guaranteed if they are living with a parent who: Has British citizenship and/or; Has a right of abode/leave to enter the UK and/or; Has a relevant work permit/visa and/or; Is a foreign diplomat.

Please provide any outstanding documentary evidence in relation to the above. Applications from students who are not eligible for ESFA funding will have their application withdrawn by the school. The school does not hold a licence to support applicants with Home Office Tier 4 Student Visa status.

Why Study RPE?

‘A’ Level RPE provides students with a broad introduction to the study of religious, philosophical and ethical concepts.

This course is designed to:

• develop a range of transferable skills which can be applied far beyond the study of RPE

• enable students to develop the ability to reason, form their own judgements, express themselves coherently and contribute to the process of debate

• develop an understanding and appreciation of religious thought and its contribution to individuals, communities and societies.

• “There are some advanced level subjects which provide suitable preparation for entry to university generally…Examples of such subjects include…Religious Studies.” The Russell Group Informed Choices 2015/2016

What Does The Course Involve?

You will study three main areas of the course:

• Philosophy – Can we prove God exists? Is religion a product of the mind? Does the modern world need religion? Is there a problem with the language we use when talking about philosophical issues?

• Ethics – What do we mean when we say ‘good’ and ‘bad’? Are we completely free to act as we choose? Should we agree with: abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment and nuclear weapons?

• Christianity – How reliable are religious texts? Is God male or female? Can we still believe in religion with the challenges from science? Does celebrating Easter and Christmas make us religious?

How Will I Be Assessed?

Exam board Eduqas. RPE is assessed by three two-hour examination papers (one on each of the above areas) at the end of the ‘A’ Level.

What Are The Entry Requirements?

To qualify for a place in Sixth Form, you must achieve five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including Maths and either English Language or Literature or five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, plus at least a grade 4 in Maths and English Language or Literature.

For this course: GCSE grade 5 in English Language/English Literature/any Humanities subject* and 5 in Religious Studies, if studied

* ‘Humanities subjects’ are History, Geography and RPE

Leading To A Career In?

Many of our students go onto university to study Philosophy and/or Religious Studies, often in combination with other disciplines. Popular combinations include: Philosophy/History; Philosophy/English; Philosophy/Law; Philosophy/Maths and even Philosophy/Biology.

RPE is a valued qualification in such careers as: politics, research, journalism, law, charities, social services, education, civil service, publishing, marketing, and advertising.