GCE A Level in Religious Studies
at Hele'S School, Plymouth · school or sixth form
What the college says
The areas of study in this course are fascinating: Philosophy being the original art of thinking from which all other academic subjects have arisen; Ethics (being a branch of Philosophy itself) is the study of how human beings ought to behave; Eastern Philosophy (Buddhism). We will analyse ultimate questions and sources of wisdom such as ‘what do we believe and why do we believe it?’ ‘Who are we and why are we here?’ ‘What ought we do and why should we do it?’ Philosophy and ethics encourages critical and systematic inquiry into fundamental questions of right and wrong, truth and falsehood, the meaning of life, and the nature of reality, knowledge and society. More than any other discipline, philosophy and ethics explores the core issues of the Western intellectual tradition. The additional academic study of Eastern Philosophy and Buddhism enables a contrast of thinking. You will be well supplied with texts and given clear guidance on what to read and when and how to organise your work. Your essay writing skills will mature to a level which will benefit essay writing in other academic courses and give you confidence to cope with essay writing at degree level. The Philosophy and Ethics department are part of the Plymouth Hub working alongside other schools in the city. This will enable you to encounter a variety of learning experiences, including global video conferences.
What you need to get on
A minimum of 5 passes at grade 5 or grade C (including English and Maths). A minimum of a grade 6 in RS is recommended but a 5 considered with a strong performance in the exam.
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
Hele's Trust
Seymour Road Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 4LT
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 1 September 2026 · Plymouth
Who else teaches this exact qualification
Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.
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Wyedean School and Sixth Form Centre
Chepstow · South West · 2 years
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Shefford · East of England · 2 years
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Hillcrest School And Sixth Form Centre
Birmingham · West Midlands · 2 years
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Manchester · North West · 2 years
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St Anselm'S Catholic School, Canterbury
Canterbury · South East · 2 years
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Chatteris · East of England · 2 years
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London · London · 22 months
- Their version
Westgate-On-Sea · South East · 2 years