How hard is philosophy A level?

[Toomanyminifigs]

DS is trying to decide on A levels. He has autism (and an EHCP) so he does need more guidance and support than perhaps a NT teen might need at 16.

He is considered academically able (mainly 8's and 9's in mocks). He's drawn to philosophy as he loves 'big questions' but my concern is that I've heard it's a very difficult/challenging A level (not that any A level is easy).

He has a good work ethic and is strong in subjects like English and History so is used to researching and writing essays (but obviously only at a GCSE level at this stage).

I wonder if I should try and steer him to something like Sociology or Government and Politics instead?

Has anyone's DC taken philosophy A level? If so did they regret it? Enjoy it?

I'm assuming universities regard philosophy A level quite highly but I also imagine that the most important thing is the grade...

Thank you for reading.

I’ve rechecked with my child and there is another element to it, but she did say Theology. She also talked about negative marks - something I haven’t heard of before.

Well, that teacher was either not correct , not very clear or misdirecting.

How hard would you like it to be? 🤔

(sorry)

@Toomanyminifigs you are saying the past papers look terrifying – but it's simply (!) a case of doing the necessary work.

Explain how the argument from hallucination presents an issue for direct realism well with my phi degree I have no idea of the answer to that but if you spend two years studying the A level course you will have learned about that.

It's no harder, really, than Examine the significance of the Red Centre in The Handmaid’s Tale. (for a lot more marks! in Eng lit) which would also be difficult if you had not read and studied the themes of the book.

Agree with @Piggywaspushed btw – someone was misleading or someone did not understand but no A level or GCSE that I have come across involves deducting marks for incorrect answers. If something's not right, the candidate will not gain a mark, but no one will take any off. If they did you could get a minus mark overall. Which you obvs cannot. So don’t worry about that re this or any other A level.

Best of luck to yourDS whatever he decides.

“clary · Yesterday 21:33

^ you are saying the past papers look terrifying – but it's simply (!) a case of doing the necessary work.”^

@Toomanyminifigs - this with bells on. And if your DC is inclined towards philosophy, these things will make sense. DH read philosophy at uni; it’s half of DD’s joint honours degree now but it passes several miles above my head. But they get it, love it and are happy to plug away at the trickier concepts.