Ethics, Philosophy & Worldviews

Curriculum Intent - Ethics, Philosophy & Worldviews:

‘There is no such thing as a view from nowhere’ (E. Oldfield, Theos Thinktank, 2020) whether we are consciously aware of it or not, we all have a world view. Part of the challenge of EPW is to help students unlock their understanding of their personal world view, and the world views of those around them. The principle aim of EPW is to explore what people believe and what difference it makes to how they live, so that students can gain the knowledge, understanding and skills need to handle questions raised by religion and belief, reflecting on their own ideas and ways of living (Cornwall Agreed Syllabus). In our knowledge rich curriculum, students will use a range of disciplines to ensure not only do they explore different religious and non-religious world views but are able to understand how they fit within their global, national and local context. This will help enable our students to understand their place in a changing and diverse world, beyond their own lives.

EPW Curriculum Overview

	Autumn 1	Autumn 2	Spring 1	Spring 2	Summer 1	Summer 2
Year 7	Why are ultimate questions difficult to answer?	Why are people good and bad? (The Fall)	Why are people good and bad? (The Fall) The Buddha: how and why do his experiences and teachings have meaning for people today?	The Buddha: how and why do his experiences and teachings have meaning for people today?	Jesus and Trinity: If God is Trinity, what does this mean for Christians?	Curriculum Kernewek
Year 8	Good, bad; right or wrong: how do I decide?		How green should Christians be?		What is so radical about Jesus?
Year 9	What difference does it make to an atheist or agnostic in Britain?	What difference does it make to an atheist or agnostic in Britain? Should happiness be the purpose of life?	Should happiness be the purpose of life?	How far does it make a difference if you believe in life after death?	How far does it make a difference if you believe in life after death? How are Sikh teachings on equality and service put into practice today?	How are Sikh teachings on equality and service put into practice today?
Year 10 (CORE)	Why are world views significant?	Why are world views significant? What does Britain value?	Should everyone have a voice?		What is good and challenging about being a Muslim in Britain?
Year 11 (CORE)	What is the significance of Plato’s cave?		Are human beings responsible for their moral actions?		Are human beings responsible for their moral actions?
Year 10 (GCSE)	Islam: Beliefs and Teachings	Christianity: Beliefs and Teachings	Issues of Relationships	Issues of Life and Death	Christianity: Practices	Islam: Practices
Year 11 (GCSE)	Issues of Good and Evil	Issues of Human Rights	Revision	Revision
Year 12	Philosophy Ancient philosophical influences	Philosophy Soul, mind and body Arguments based on observation	Philosophy Arguments based on observation Arguments based on reason	Philosophy Religious experience The problem of evil	Developments in Christian thought Death and the afterlife Knowledge of God’s existence	Developments in Christian thought Knowledge of God’s existence Person of Jesus
Year 12	Ethics Natural Law Situation Ethics	Ethics Situation Ethics Kantian Ethics	Ethics Utilitarianism Euthanasia	Ethics Euthanasia Business Ethics	Developments in Christian thought Christian moral principles Christian moral action	Developments in Christian thought Augustine’s teaching on human nature
Year 13	Philosophy The nature or attributes of God	Philosophy Religious language: negative, analogical or symbolic	Philosophy Religious language: twentieth-century perspectives and philosophical comparisons	Developments in Christian thought Liberation theology and Marx Religious pluralism and theology	Developments in Christian thought Religious pluralism and society Revision	Exam period
Year 13	Ethics Conscience	Ethics Meta-ethical theories	Ethics Sexual Ethics	Developments in Christian thought Gender and society Gender and theology	Developments in Christian thought The challenge of secularism Revision	Exam period