Ethics & Philosophy
Mrs. E. Goldbey
Head of Faculty
Ethics & Philosophy
“Studying Ethics and Philosophy put me in great stead for life after school, teaching me transferable skills such as critical analysis, how to form a professional argument based essay and how to view topics from an objective point of view. After completing my A Levels I have since gone on to study Communications and Media at Bournemouth University. Having the ability to study ethics has been extremely beneficial when evaluating serious issues such as the media’s impact on society. I believe there has never been a more fitting time to study Ethics and Philosophy and open your mind to other people’s cultural, religious and political beliefs.”
Ethics and Philosophy at Ferndown is a subject that gives students the opportunity to engage with fundamental issues of life. Students develop the skills to analyse their beliefs and others. They have opportunities to debate key issues such as Capital punishment. Students are also helped to develop literacy skills which is shown through excellent results.
The Ethics GCSE in Religious Studies is taught to all students beginning in year 9 following the AQA course. The exam is taken at the end of year 10. This helps support our students academic journey through developing a variety of skills such as oracy, evaluation and critical thinking.
Meet the Ethics & Philosophy Department
Mr. A. Matthews
Ethics And Philosophy Teacher
Mr. D. Hammett
Ethics And Philosophy Teacher
Curriculum Overview
Please rotate your device to landscape to view the Curriculum for years 9, 10 and 11.
Autumn 1
Autumn 2
Spring 1
Spring 2
Summer 1
Summer 2
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Theme E
Crime & Punishment
Jewish Beliefs
Jewish Practices
Theme A
Relationships & Families
Christian Beliefs
Christian Practices
Theme B
Religion & Life
Theme D
War & Peace
Revision
Revision
Revision
Extra-Curricular Opportunities & Enrichment
Students have the opportunity to visit local places of worship. We aim to do at least one visit throughout the course. In the past this has included trips to Bournemouth synagogues and Salisbury Cathedral.
We also have excellent links with local churches. Students have the opportunity to visit churches as well as ask questions to the local ministers to enrich their subject knowledge.
Careers Links
As an Ethics student, you will have gained skills highly valued by employers, such as analytical and critical reasoning. Students develop the ability to empathise and reflect on their own and others behaviour. Oral and written communication skills are developed as we as the ability to evaluate different views. Studying Ethics has enabled students to go on to a wide range of careers, including law, medicine, the public sector, business management, and journalism as well as the Armed Forces. The time has passed where it was believed all you could do was be a Vicar! The challenge now is what can’t you do with a qualification in Religious Studies, as at the heart of the subject is the development of excellent interpersonal skills which are vital in today’s world.
Useful Information for Parents
There are many revision sites that can support students. This includes Seneca, GCSE bitesize, GCSE pod. Students can also buy a revision guide through the school. This is the CGP GCSE Religious Studies revision guide.