AS Level Philosophy Philosophy enquires into the fundamental questions of our life. Can I be certain a world exists beyond my own mind? Why should I live in a moral way, which considers the well-being of others? What are my mental states, and how do they exist? Is it possible to prove the existence of God? These questions are central to the Philosophy A-level we study at The Downs. As well as investigating a wide variety of issues, Philosophy A-level also develops precise thinking skills. If we wanted to explore the view that it is possible to doubt other people possess minds, for example, it is important to identify the reasons for such a view (perhaps that only I have ‘access’ to my own thoughts), and consider how this view might be challenged (surely I know when my friend is upset, without looking in her head?), before reaching a conclusion. In lessons, views are proposed and challenged in class discussion in a methodical way, and the ability to construct and evaluate arguments is developed consistently also in writing. The Philosophy A-level is popular and successful. We are averaging a ‘red hot’ ALPs rating of 3 over the last three years, and in 2013 our ‘value added’ in Philosophy was the highest of any school teaching Philosophy in the country. In recent years, our students have gone on to study Philosophy at universities including Nottingham, Glasgow, Durham, and Oxford. ‘Philosophy, if it cannot answer so many questions as we would wish, has at least the power of asking questions which increase the interest of the world, and show the strangeness and wonder lying just below the surface even in the commonest things of daily life.’
Name: AS Philosophy Qualification title: GCE AS Level in Philosophy Qualification type: GCE A/AS Level or equivalent Assessment coursework & exam Awarding Assessment & Qualifications Alliance Created 20150928 08:53:57 Updated 20161012 12:47:39
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The Downs School
Foundation School
contact@thedownsschool.org
01635 270000
Manor Crescent
Compton
Town:
Newbury
Title: GCE AS Level in Philosophy Qualification: GCE AS Level in Philosophy Classification: History, Philosophy and Theology