‘A’ Level Philosophy Master Class at the University of Birmingham

An important part of taking Religious Studies at ‘A’ Level is the ability to write a well-reasoned argument. R.S. comprises of the study of Philosophy and Ethics. This includes questions to do with the nature and existence of God that have been puzzling some of the most famous and accomplished scholars for centuries, as well as the morality of more modern issues such as war. Philosophy and Ethics concerns itself with some very difficult subject matter, and students at HGS don’t shy away from discussing, debating and giving their opinions on this.

In order to argue competently and effectively, pupils are taught about, read and study many different scholars’ views, so when the University of Birmingham offered a Philosophy Master Class it gave our students an ideal opportunity to find out more about how to take their arguments further.

At the University, the pupils listened to lectures from some longstanding professors. It gave them the chance to listen to people who spend their lives revising and reworking theories on such issues as the morality of warfare and the impact that suffering has upon theistic belief, as well as the chance to ask current students about the many other aspects of university life.

The Year 12s left the Master Class full of new ideas, fresh examples, and an enriched view of the problems and theories they will now go on to write about in their essays, and, of course, with some very strong arguments to debate with us in class.

If you too would like to learn to debate modern life issues, come along to Debating Society with Miss Harrison on Wednesdays during KS4/5 lunchtime.