PTE consists of 3 subjects:

• Philosophy, Theology and Ethics (core)
• Sociology
• Religious Studies

The Philosophy, Theology and Ethics Department actively promotes the values of truth, justice and respect for all. In Key Stage 3 we aim to achieve this through a thematic approach; looking at philosophical and ethical issues. This includes the views of the major world religions as well as non-theistic viewpoints. In Years 10 to 11 students can choose an option to follow GCSE OCR Religious Studies. Students who do not opt for GCSE Religious Studies have a fortnightly lesson, where they discuss and debate a range of philosophical and ethical issues. This is not examined.

During the course, students will be encouraged to develop an open mind and to explore their own opinions and beliefs. Students will also explore the opinions and beliefs of others and become more aware of and gain a greater understanding of other people and their cultures. Students will enjoy the opportunity to participate in a wide range of discussions and debates, particularly about moral and ethical issues.

All Year 10 and 11 students continue their study of Philosophy, Theology and Ethics, building on their studies at Key Stage 3.

The Philosophy, Theology and Ethics Department offers a full course OCR GCSE Religious Studies. This GCSE gives students the opportunity to research in-depth, different religions. During the course, students will be encouraged to
develop an open mind and to explore their own opinions and beliefs. Students will also explore the opinions and beliefs of others and become more aware of and gain a greater understanding of other people and their cultures. Students will enjoy the opportunity to participate in discussions and debates, particularly about moral and ethical issues. There will also be the opportunity to visit a variety of places of worship and talk to people from different faiths.

Students will study a wide variety of topics including:
● A variety of world religions
● Humanism
● Festivals and celebrations
● Rites of passage – birth, coming of age, marriage and death rituals
● Places of worship
● Important beliefs
● Philosophical questions – e.g. “Why is there suffering?” “Why is there evil?” “How did the universe begin?”
“What is the purpose of life?” “Is there a God?”
● Ethical issues – eg relationships, contraception, quality, prejudice, discrimination, war, pacifism, justice, social
injustice, euthanasia, abortion, genetic engineering, fertility treatments

This course does involve a considerable amount of written work, which needs to be kept up to date to allow students to achieve their potential.

The course we follow at Park is the AQA syllabus.

The Sociology course is designed to enable students to focus on their own experience of the social world, whilst encouraging them to analyse different aspects of contemporary society in a reflective and innovative way. Students are encouraged to critically analyse sources of information and communicate this knowledge in a creative way in order to play informed roles within different social contexts. Students will enjoy the opportunity of participating in discussions and debates.

This course does involve a considerable amount of written work, which needs to be kept up to date to allow students to achieve their potential.

The course we follow at Park is the AQA syllabus.