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GCE A Level in Philosophy

at Medina College · college

Level 3A levelsGCE A level2 yearsFull time

What the college says

Philosophy stems from a sense of wonder at the world and a willingness to face questions about things that puzzle you. Big questions, important questions: How do we know what exists? Why does anything exist at all? Does time and space go on forever? Does life have a purpose? Is there a God? Where does the idea of God come from? Can we trust our senses? Will science eventually explain everything? What is the difference between the mind and machine? How do we know what the right thing to do is? People have asked fundamental questions about reality for thousands of years. Recently interest has been rising again particularly among young people, perhaps prompted by virtual reality or by thought provoking films like 'The Matrix' and 'Inception'. Philosophy gives you the opportunity to think for yourself; to think clearly, critically and logically and to develop sound arguments both in discussion and in writing. You will learn to follow, understand and criticize the arguments and theories put forward by others, especially the great philosophers of the past and important thinkers of the present. In year 12 you will study Epistemology (the theory of knowledge) and Philosophical ethics. During year 13, you will study Philosophy of Mind and The Philosophy of religion. There will be two exams at the end of year 13. There is no coursework.

What you need to get on

5 GCSE A* to C or 9 to 5

How you are assessed

Academic subjects, mostly exams, three or four at once. The traditional route to university.

What this level means

The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.

Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?

Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.

Where it runs

  • The Island VI Form

    ISLAND INNOVATION VI FORM CAMPUS ST. JAMES STREET, NEWPORT, PO30 1LJ

    DaytimeClassroom based
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Who else teaches this exact qualification

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