A-Level Philosophy

Course description

A-Level Philosophy offers an in-depth engagement with some of the most significant and profound problems to have challenged the human mind, examined with the analytical tools developed in the Western Philosophical tradition from Aristotle in the 4th century BCE to Zagzebski in the 20th century CE. What is the nature of goodness? What does it mean to know something? What is the mind?  Can belief in God be supported intellectually?

The course followed is AQA A-Level Philosophy. More information can be found at https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/philosophy/a-level/philosophy-7172 

Requirements

For students to succeed it is essential for them to approach the subject with genuine intellectual curiosity, an open, inquiring and critical mind, and a willingness to learn and apply a technical, focused and rational methodology to complex problems.

There is no requirement to have studied Philosophy or Religious Studies previously.

In order to demonstrate an aptitude for nuanced analysis and conceptual problem-solving, students are expected to have attained grades 7-9 in three or more of the following GCSE subjects:

  • English
  • Any Humanities subject
  • Mathematics
  • Physics, Chemistry or Biology
  • Latin or Greek

Assessment structure

The A-level is made up of the following four components:

  • Epistemology (the study of knowledge)
  • Moral Philosophy (Ethics)
  • Metaphysics of God (Philosophy of Religion)
  • Metaphysics of Mind

These components are assessed in two, three-hour examinations at the end of the course. Each accounts for one quarter of the total final grade. There is no coursework.

Potential careers

Philosophy can lead you into any career. The technical, analytical reasoning that you will learn is beneficial for very many careers, as you learn how to construct sound arguments and criticise bad ones. Former Philosophy students from Wellington have gone on to study a range of subjects at university, including Medicine, Law, English, Philosophy, Theology, Psychology and many others.

Contact for further information:

Mr. T. Kirby – tck@wellingtoncollege.org.uk