Philosophy and Ethics

At Winifred Holtby Academy, Philosophy and Ethics helps students explore religious and non-religious world views to understand themselves, others and the world around them.

Students examine the opportunities and challenges of living in a diverse, multi-ethnic and multi-faith Britain, developing their own values, identity and sense of belonging.

The Philosophy and Ethics curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and intellectually challenging. We aim to develop curious, thoughtful and informed young people who can engage critically with religious and non‑religious world views and reflect on life’s big questions.

Students build rich, progressive knowledge of beliefs, practices and ethical systems, alongside key philosophical ideas. Through enquiry, structured discussion and debate, students learn to think clearly, evaluate arguments and justify their views using evidence and reason.

Across Key Stages 3 and 4, students explore major religious traditions — especially Christianity and Islam — together with ethical questions and real‑world case studies. They learn how beliefs shape individual lives and influence society, and how religion interacts with culture, law and global issues.

Critical reflection and evaluation are central to our programme. Students regularly assess religious teachings, secular perspectives and contemporary ethical questions, developing empathy, respect and confidence as communicators and thinkers.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum 

Key Stage 4 Curriculum 

Religious Studies GCSE, Examination board Edexcel specification B – Paper 1 Religion & Ethics Christianity; Paper 2 Religion, Peace & Conflict Paper 2 Islam

Homework

Key Stage 3 – set as appropriate. Usually a preparation piece ahead of an assessment and a creative piece of assessed homework throughout the year.

Key Stage 4 – set weekly. A combination of retrieval tasks, exam practice, revision and extra research.