S4 Coursework

The S4 syllabus covers just over two terms, with interruptions for Work Experience and Prelim Exams. 

There are two main units in the S4 Course.   

Nature, Religion and Morality

The first term covers aspects of ecology, examining the attitude of a variety of religions to the relationship between humankind and the planet.  The idea of individuals being interdependent both in terms of personal and national relationships as well as in relation to the world of nature is discussed.  The film ‘The Medicine Man’ is then used to examine these issues in relation to medical research undertaken in the Amazonian Rain Forest, and the effect that outside forces have upon indigenous communities.  The concept of the world as a ‘global village’ is examined.  From the Session 2007-8 classes will examine issues arising from the DVD ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ concerning global warming.

Gandhi

The second unit is based upon the film ‘Gandhi’.  It uses the life of the ‘founding father of India’ to examine issues such as arranged marriage, apartheid, civil disobedience or non-violent direct action.  It is noted that although Gandhi was brought up within a Hindu and Muslim community he took much of the teaching of Christianity to a logical extreme, although continuing to maintain his Hindu beliefs.  His work in seeking to unite Hindu and Muslim into one state when approaching the independence of India is examined.  In the Session 2007-8 this is particularly significant and India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are celebration both 60 years of independence, but also the partition of the three states.

A very short unit recaps some aspects of philosophy and acts as mental stimulation following the Easter Break as the pupils approach the Standard Grade Examinations.