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KS4

Key Stage Four Curriculum Overview
The AGSB School Certificate in Philosophy

Key Stage Four Introduction.  At AGSB, the Key Stage Four Philosophy and Ethics course is a bespoke and academically rigorous programme designed to build on the strong foundations developed at Key Stage Three. This course cultivates critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and a love of learning. Students are encouraged to think independently, engage with complex ideas, and develop clear, reasoned arguments.                                            

The AGSB School Certificate in Philosophy offers a broad curriculum covering key areas such as Philosophy of mind, The ethics of artificial intelligence, Free-will and Determinism and the Philosophy of Art. In an age where digital technologies and instant access to information shape how we understand the world, students must learn not just to remember facts, but to analyse, evaluate and question them thoughtfully and rigorously. This course equips students with these vital skills.

Assessment is continuous and based on extended written work and philosophical investigations throughout the two years. The certificate, awarded at the end of Year 11, is signed by the Head of Philosophy and Ethics and the Headteacher, formally recognising students’ academic achievement and commitment.

Curriculum Overview:
  • Year 10 introduces students to fundamental philosophical questions and thinkers, building on the broad topics explored in Key Stage Three. Students will delve into topics such as the ethics of Artificial Intelligence, Philosophical arguments for the existence of God and political philosophy. This year sets the groundwork for more specialised study in Year 11.
     
  • Year 11 expands on these foundations, exploring advanced topics such as ethical theory, practical ethics and Philosophy of art.
Year 10
  Name of Topic Key Content of the Topic Assessment Points

HT1

Unit 1) An introduction to Philosophy
  • The language of Philosophy
  • Philosophical reasoning
  • Socratic questioning

End of unit assessment:
‘Research a philosopher’
HT2

Unit 2) Philosophy of Mind
  • Exploring consciousness, perception and identity
  • Dualism and materialism
  • Case study - The Ship of Theseus

End of unit assessment: ‘Exploring Philosophical Perspectives on Mind-Body Relations’
HT3

Unit 3) Can machines think?
  • The Turing test
  • The Chinese room thought experiment
  • The ethical implications of AI

End of unit assessment:
‘Does AI pose a threat to humanity?’

HT4

Unit 4) Is there a God?
  • How do different faith traditions define God?
  • Theological paradoxes
  • The argument from Design, Cosmology or Ontology

End of unit assessment:‘Arguments for the existence of God independent study task’
HT5

Unit 5) Freewill and determinism
  • The language of freewill
  • Determinism and compatibilism
  • The Libet experiment
  • Religious predestination

End of unit assessment: ‘Do we have freewill? Subject knowledge quiz’
HT6

Unit 6) Do we need governments?
  • Political systems
  • Social contract theory 
  • Should we obey the state?

End of unit assessment: ‘Anarchism independent study task’
Year 11
  Name of topic Key Content of the Topic Assessment points

HT1

Unit 1) Is it more important to be good than happy?
  • An introduction to Virtue ethics
  • Hedonistic Utilitarianism
  • Nozick and the pleasure machine

End of unit assessment:‘Is it more important to be good than happy?’ 

HT2

Unit 2) Practical ethics - Part 1
  • Assisted suicide and euthanasia
  • An introduction to the assisted dying bill 2024
  • The sanctity of life and the quality of life

End of unit assessment: ‘Should assisted suicide for the terminally ill be legalised?
HT3

Unit 2) Practical ethics - Part 2
  • Capital punishment:
  • Arguments for and against
  • Religious beliefs about capital punishment

End of unit assessment: ‘The death penalty has no place in the modern world discuss’

HT4

Unit 3) What is art?
  • What is art?
  • Thinking about art Philosophically (aesthetics)
  • What makes art valuable?

End of unit assessment: ‘Virtual gallery research activity’

HT5

 Unit 4) Is there evidence for God
  • Religious experience
  • Miracles in different faith traditions
  • Scientific explanations for religious experience
  • Philosophical interpretations: Richard Swinburne and the Principle of Testimony and the Principle of Credulity

End of unit assessment: 'Miracles cannot be verified. Discuss’
HT6 N/A GCSE Exams
Support available for students

All students will be issued with personal learning checklist, subject knowledge/topic starter sheets and the necessary preparatory material for independent research tasks. All resources used in lessons are available in the departmental STU.

Students can attend the fortnightly Philosophy Society led by Mr Sampson in S4. This provides an invaluable opportunity for students to explore interesting Philosophical questions in an easily accessible way.

Students and parents can access the lesson materials used in Philosophy and Ethics via the Philosophy and Ethics STU (Student Shared Area). This is particularly useful for pupils who have missed lessons due to illness or for parents who would like to support their child’s learning at home.

Last Supper' by Joseph Mulamba-Mandangi
The Blue Mosque - Istanbul
Recommended Textbook for Philosophy and Ethics (KS4)

Resources are organised by year group:

The Collins Philosophy and Ethics Student Book by Robert Orme introduces a wide range of philosophical and religious ideas in an accessible format. It includes topics such as the nature of reality, arguments for and against the existence of God and questions about the self, knowledge, and belief - many of which are explored in our Key Stage 3 programme of study.

Although this textbook is not required, students and families may find it a helpful resource for reviewing lesson content or deepening understanding. It also provides an excellent foundation for the AGSB School Certificate in Philosophy, studied by all pupils in Years 10 and 11.

View the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philosophy-Ethics-KS3-Knowing-Religion/dp/0008355029

Recommended online Resources:

These websites, podcasts and video channels are recommended for students who wish to deepen their understanding of key philosophical, ethical and religious ideas explored in the curriculum.

Podcasts:

YouTube Channels:

Websites:

Students and parents can access the lesson materials used in Philosophy and Ethics via the Philosophy and Ethics STU (Student Shared Area). This is particularly useful for pupils who have missed lessons due to illness or for parents who would like to support their child’s learning at home.