A-level Philosophy₇₁₇₂

1.1 Why choose AQA for A-level Philosophy

Designed for you and your students

Our new AS and A-level Philosophy qualifications are designed to give your students a thorough grounding in the key concepts and methods of philosophy. Students will have the opportunity to engage with big questions in a purely secular context. Our qualifications are fully co-teachable, so you can teach AS and A-level students in the same class.

Your students will develop important skills that they need for progression to higher education. They’ll learn to be clear and precise in their thinking and writing. They will engage with complex texts, analysing and evaluating the arguments of others and constructing and defending their own arguments.

The specification

We’ve designed these qualifications with help from teachers and subject experts. We’ve looked to minimise content changes, providing continuity from our current AS and A-level specifications so you’ll find a mix of familiar topics. We have introduced some updated content to ensure that the work of women philosophers is represented.

Clear, well-structured exams

We’ve retained the structure and layout of our AS and A-level question papers and mark schemes providing continuity with the current specifications.

You can find out about all our Philosophy qualifications at aqa.org.uk/philosophy

1.2 Support and resources to help you teach

We’ve worked with experienced teachers to provide you with a range of resources that will help you confidently plan, teach and prepare for exams.

1.2.1 Teaching resources

Visit aqa.org.uk/7172 to see all our teaching resources. They include:

• a thorough anthology to help you access the set texts
• sample schemes of work to help you plan your course with confidence
• training courses to help you deliver AQA Philosophy qualifications
• subject expertise courses for all teachers, from newly qualified teachers who are just getting started to experienced teachers looking for fresh inspiration.

1.2.2 Preparing for exams

Visit aqa.org.uk/7172 for everything you need to prepare for our exams, including:

• past papers, mark schemes and examiners’ reports
• specimen papers and mark schemes for new courses
• example student answers with examiner commentaries.

1.2.3 Analyse your students' results with Enhanced Results Analysis (ERA)

Find out which questions were the most challenging, how the results compare to previous years and where your students need to improve. ERA, our free online results analysis tool, will help you see where to focus your teaching. Register at aqa.org.uk/era

For information about results, including maintaining standards over time, grade boundaries and our post-results services, visit aqa.org.uk/results

1.2.4 Keep your skills up-to-date with professional development

Time in the classroom is precious, but we understand that as your career develops, the skills and knowledge you need may change. As well as subject-specific training, we offer a range of courses to help boost your skills.

• Feedback sessions to understand how students have performed in this year’s exams.
• Virtual communities where you can chat to teachers in your subject area about what’s important to you.

This is just the start. Our events calendar is full of different ways for you to learn, understand and be inspired. Find out more at aqa.org.uk/professional-development .

1.2.5 Help and support

Visit our website for information, guidance, support and resources at aqa.org.uk/7172

If you'd like us to share news and information about this qualification, sign up for emails and updates at aqa.org.uk/from-2017

Alternatively, you can call or email our subject team direct.

E: philosophy@aqa.org.uk

T: 01483 477 822