Philosophy, Ethics and Worldviews

Course overview

Philosophy, Ethics and Worldviews explore some of the biggest questions about life, society, and the world around us. Building on the knowledge and skills developed at KS3, you will examine how religious and non-religious worldviews influence the way people understand reality, make ethical decisions, and respond to issues in modern society.

Throughout the course you will consider questions such as: How do we know what is true? Does life have a purpose? What makes something right or wrong? What makes a just society? Should belief influence politics? How should we respond to inequality and discrimination? You will encounter a range of philosophical ideas and thinkers, including Aristotle, Plato and Karl Marx, while considering different perspectives on contemporary issues.

The course encourages you to question assumptions, consider different viewpoints, and develop your own reasoned conclusions. In Year 10, the emphasis is on establishing foundations in belief, values and society, while Year 11 develops greater application, debate, and critical thinking.

Course content

Explore religious and non-religious worldviews and how different ways of knowing—including science, belief and experience—shape people's understanding of reality.
Investigate philosophical and ethical questions, applying different perspectives to real-life issues, and developing well-reasoned arguments.
Examine contemporary issues including wealth inequality, poverty, gender equality, discrimination, freedom of expression, relationships and family life.
Consider how belief systems interact with society, including politics, law, the media, migration, identity, diversity, and social change.
Develop transferable skills in critical thinking, discussion, debate, evaluation and communication, learning to understand and respectfully challenge different perspectives.
Reflect on your own values and worldview, developing the confidence to reach informed conclusions about some of the major philosophical and ethical questions facing society today.

Philosophy, Ethics and Worldviews – Course Overview

Year	Term	Key themes and ideas
Year 10	Autumn 1	Worldviews, Knowledge & Reality – worldviews, science and belief, origins of life, purpose and different ways of understanding reality.
	Autumn 2	Ethical Perspectives in the Modern World – right and wrong, wealth and poverty, equality, freedom of expression and the impact of belief systems.
	Spring 1	Relationships, Family & Society – commitment, responsibilities, relationships, changing families and equality within family life.
	Spring 2	Equality, Identity & Belief Systems – gender equality, discrimination, feminism, leadership and the influence of belief systems.
	Summer	Belief Systems in Public Life – belief in the media, stereotypes, social change, politics, global issues and the relevance of belief today.
Year 11	Autumn 1	Power, Society & Belief Systems – government, freedom of belief, free speech, extremism, activism and social action.
	Autumn 2	Philosophical & Ethical Thinking – justice, the good life, inequality, morality and making ethical decisions.
	Spring 1	Diversity, Society & Inclusion – race, religious and worldview diversity, migration, inequality and representation in the media.
	Spring 2	Identity, Relationships & Belonging – commitment, identity, relationships, belonging, respect and personal freedom.
	Summer	Synthesis, Reflection & Debate – contemporary ethical issues, global conflict, social justice, personal values and evaluating the role of belief in the modern world.