Philosophy
Philosophical thought shapes what people think and how they engage with others. It seeks to explore life’s big issues, like what it means to be human.
About the Philosophy course
Philosophy stimulates critical thinking in students, assisting them to reflect on their role as active decision-makers in society.
The Philosophy course will develop student interest in key philosophical thinkers, problems and arguments. By applying this knowledge to social dilemmas through communities of inquiry, students challenge assumptions and beliefs and build their capacity for critical reasoning and ethical decision-making.
Students may undertake either 100 or 200 hours of study in Philosophy in Stage 5. Courses are structured in the following ways:
- a 100-hour course consisting of Core 1 and Core 2 and a minimum of 3 options
- a 200-hour course consisting of Core 1 and Core 2 and a minimum of 5 options.
The course is divided into core and options. The core should precede the options. The options may be studied in any order.
Course documents
Schools must use the Philosophy course document (DOCX 158 KB) to develop educational programs for this course. They must comply with the:
Assessment advice
Philosophy assessment advice (DOCX 142 KB) is available to assist teachers. They can select a range of different activities to assess and report on.
Assessment activities should:
- reflect the school's organisation of the course
- provide students with opportunities to show their learning.
Department-approved elective courses are not credited on the Record of School Achievement (RoSA).
Teaching resources
Schools may adapt or change this content or use other materials suitable to their local context. Provided they comply with the course documents.
Sample option topic resource.
Professional learning
Engaging with professional learning courses may help you develop knowledge, understanding and skills for effective course implementation.
- Complete the Department approved elective course– Philosophy microlearning (NR36609)
- Access recordings from statewide staffroom sessions via the Teaching and Learning 7–12 statewide staffroom.
Contact
For more information: