Philosophy

Course Structure

SL and HL

Prerequisites:

Nil

Exclusions:

Nil

The philosophy course provides an opportunity for students to engage with some of the world’s most interesting and influential thinkers. It also develops highly transferable skills such as the ability to formulate arguments clearly, to make reasoned judgements and to evaluate highly complex and multifaceted issues. The emphasis of the DP philosophy course is on “doing philosophy”, that is, on actively engaging students in philosophical activity. The course is focused on stimulating students’ intellectual curiosity and encouraging them to examine both their own perspectives and those of others. 

Students are challenged to develop their own philosophical voice and to grow into independent thinkers. They develop their skills through the study of philosophical themes and the close reading of a philosophical text. They also learn to apply their philosophical knowledge and skills to real-life situations and to explore how non-philosophical material can be treated in a philosophical way. HL students also engage in a deeper exploration of the nature of philosophy itself. Teachers explicitly teach thinking and research skills such as comprehension, text analysis, transfer, and use of primary sources. 

Philosophy (SL/HL) will be delivered in two modes in 2022 – 2023.

• A class in the school timetable, consistent with all other subjects
• A combined class delivered in a mixed mode with students from MLC in Burwood.

Both classes will be delivered by Newington College staff. Students selecting Philosophy will have the option of selecting their preferred mode of study.

In the combined class, students will:

• Complete a regular (weekly or fortnightly) out-of-timetable face-to-face lesson, most likely after school on a designated afternoon at either MLC or Newington (on rotation) led by the Newington teacher
• Participate in regular (weekly) online lessons (via Zoom) as a group, facilitated by the Newington teacher
• Complete independent learning tasks though Canvas
• Complete one-day intensive sessions in non-term times over Year 11 and 12

The collaborative class will run parallel to other traditionally timetabled Philosophy classes at Newington, following the same pace of learning, accessing the same resources and completing the coursework at the same rate. Students will complete Internal Assessment and examinations on the same timelines as other Philosophy classes at Newington.

Coursework

Assessment