Head of Department: Tony Stuart ts@sevenoaksschool.org

The Philosophy Department
Philosophy is still a relatively recent subject to be taught at Sevenoaks but has carved out a respectable niche for itself shown by the number of pupils opting for it being a steady 25-35 per year. There are two teachers from contrasting backgrounds in subject areas (one from the sciences, the other from the arts) which adds breadth and depth of reference when informing the topics covered. It is only available as a formal subject for study in the Sixth Form and the ethos of the department shares that of the IB in aiming to stimulate philosophical treatment of the world of ideas rather than merely learning what old philosophers have said. Of course, the latter is important in helping to frame an outlook on the issues that concern the subject, but the development of acute, rigorous and independent thinking is of greater concern to us. Younger pupils (and Sixth Formers not studying the subject) are invited to be philosophical during our occasional co-curricular meetings.

The Sixth Form
Philosophy can be taken in the Sixth Form at Higher or Standard Levels. At both levels there is a common, compulsory Core Theme. This invites an exploration of a range of philosophical problems related to what it means to be human. Examples of topics here include the relationship between mind and body; freedom and determinism; human nature; the self; social influences on our condition; what meaning there is in human life.

A second element of the course demands that pupils study a philosopher in that philosopher’s own words. There are 12 Prescribed Texts to choose from and, depending on the teacher, will either be Descartes’ Meditations or Mill’s On Liberty. Pupils learn to appreciate the arguments of the philosopher and then engage with those arguments.

In addition to these, HL pupils study two, SL pupils one, Optional Theme(s). Here the class wrestles in detail with a specific area of contemporary philosophy. Currently we look at ‘Ethics’ with both HL and SL; and ‘The Philosophy of Religion’ with HL only. Finally, HL students must sit an Unseen Text where they are presented with philosophical material which they need to analyse and evaluate in terms of technique rather than content.

These elements are examined at the end of the course. Coursework consists of an extended piece of writing (between 1600 and 2000 words) prompted by some non-philosophical stimulus. This enables pupils to develop more independence and freedom of choice in selecting and executing their work. The coursework accounts for 20% at HL, 30% at SL.

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