Advanced Higher workshop RMPS Aims of the workshop To support teachers lecturers and assessors in their understanding of national standards by reviewing candidate evidence discussing this evidence and associated marking instructions with colleagues ID: 1014791
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2. Understanding Standards: Advanced Higher workshopRMPS
3. Aims of the workshopTo support teachers, lecturers and assessors in their understanding of national standards by:reviewing candidate evidencediscussing this evidence and associated marking instructions with colleaguesasking questions and seeking clarification about national standards
4. Current contextRevised Advanced Higher 2019No exam in 2020, 2021No standard set for source questions, essays, dissertationsHowever, marking grid for essay questions an dissertation and MIs for source question remain key
5. Marking source questionsMarking the source question is different from the essay and dissertation markingSource questions are point by point markingWhere you see a valid KU, A or E point, credit it.You cannot credit a mixture of skills within the questions even if the prose that has been written is excellent. If it’s the KU question, it can only be credited when the candidate has presented KU.
6. Marking source questions (cont)The answers, especially in the analysis and evaluation, will range from centre to centre depending on the interpretation of the source by candidates so be prepared for that when you are marking. KU = fact with the understanding of the factA = consequences, implications, interpretations, comparisonsE = judgement, validity, reliability, importance, significance
7. Philosophy of Religion‘We see that things which lack knowledge, such as natural bodies, act for an end, and this is evident from their acting always, or nearly always, in the same way, so as to obtain the best result. Hence it is plain that they achieve their end, not fortuitously, but designedly. Now whatever lacks knowledge cannot move towards an end, unless it be directed by some being endowed with knowledge and intelligence; as the arrow is directed by the archer.’ Aquinas’ Summa TheologicaDescribe what is meant by the Teleological Argument (5 marks)Analyse this source (5 marks)Evaluate this source (5 marks)
8. Describe what is meant by the Teleological Argument (5 marks)Teleological means that there is purpose or design in the universe. The teleological argument is an a posteriori argument, which means it comes from experience. Thomas Aquinas' fifth proof of God was a teleological argument which claimed that God directs everything which cannot think for itself. Aquinas believed that everything in the natural world follows natural laws and because humans can think for ourselves we need a reason for our existence.
9. Describe what is meant by the Teleological Argument (5 marks)Teleological means that there is purpose or design in the universe. (KU) The teleological argument is an a posteriori argument, which means it comes from experience. (KU)Thomas Aquinas' fifth proof of God was a teleological argument which claimed that God directs everything which cannot think for itself. (KU)Aquinas believed that everything in the natural world follows natural laws and because humans can think for ourselves we need a reason for our existence. (KU) 4/5 marks
10. Analyse this source (5 marks)Aquinas implies that since the perception of the world and its complexity appear to give the concept of a design then the universe in its entirety must have been subject to intelligent design. This has the indirect implications that if there is an intelligent design found within our universe then this must mean in turn there is a designer, an architect behind the creation of everything in the natural world and this Aquinas believes to be God. Aquinas explained his point by using the example of an arrow, saying that for an arrow to reach its destination it must be directed first of all by the archer. In the same way, ‘natural bodies’ seem to act in a regular fashion to reach a specific purpose. As they, like the arrow, are not able to direct themselves, there must be a God doing the directing.
11. Analyse this source (5 marks)Aquinas implies that since the perception of the world and its complexity appear to give the concept of a design then the universe in its entirety must have been subject to intelligent design. (A) This has the indirect implications that if there is an intelligent design found within our universe then this must mean in turn there is a designer, an architect behind the creation of everything in the natural world and this Aquinas believes to be God. (A) Aquinas explained his point by using the example of an arrow, saying that for an arrow to reach its destination it must be directed first of all by the archer. In the same way, ‘natural bodies’ seem to act in a regular fashion to reach a specific purpose. (A) As they, like the arrow, are not able to direct themselves, there must be a God doing the directing. (A)4/5 marks
12. Evaluate this source (5 marks)I agree to an extent with Aquinas' proposition because the functional complexity of living organisms presents strong evidence for the role of a designer. For example, the complexity of the human brain. I also agree with Aquinas' argument because the design argument in an inductive argument, as it begins with something we can observe. A result, it is difficult to deny the presence of order and complexity in the universe. However, there are some weaknesses to the argument. I agree with Hume when he says just because things in the word have designers, it doesn't mean that the world has a design because we do not have experience of worlds being designed and built. I also agree with Kant when he suggests that design is a trap that we fall into - we see design and a designer because it is easy and more acceptable than the alternative, that we have come about by chance.
13. Evaluate this source (5 marks)I agree to an extent with Aquinas' proposition because the functional complexity of living organisms presents strong evidence for the role of a designer. For example, the complexity of the human brain.(E) I also agree with Aquinas' argument because the design argument in an inductive argument, as it begins with something we can observe. A result, it is difficult to deny the presence of order and complexity in the universe.(E) However, there are some weaknesses to the argument. I agree with Hume when he says just because things in the word have designers, it doesn't mean that the world has a design because we do not have experience of worlds being designed and built.(E) I also agree with Kant when he suggests that design is a trap that we fall into - we see design and a designer because it is easy and more acceptable than the alternative, that we have come about by chance.(E) 4/5 marks
14. Medical Ethics‘I have met thousands and thousands of pro-choice men and women. I have never met anyone who is pro-abortion. Being pro-choice is not being pro-abortion. Being pro-choice is trusting the individual to make the right decision for herself and her family, and not entrusting that decision to anyone wearing the authority of government in any regard.’ Hilary ClintonDescribe what is meant by beginning of life (5 marks)Analyse this source (5 marks)Evaluate this source. (5 marks)
15. Describe what is meant by the beginning of life (5 marks)Human development begins after the union of male and female gametes or germ cells. This happens during a process known as fertilization (conception). This fertilized ovum, known as a zygote, is a large diploid cell that is the beginning, or primordium, of a human being. Many religious people, such as Christians, would regard human life to be sacred from the point of conception, and as such, afforded human rights. However, humanists would argue that while the embryo should be respected, its value should not take precedence over the rights of the mother.
16. Describe what is meant by the beginning of life (5 marks)Human development begins after the union of male and female gametes or germ cells. (KU) This happens during a process known as fertilization (conception). (KU) This fertilized ovum, known as a zygote, is a large diploid cell that is the beginning, or primordium, of a human being. (KU) Many religious people, such as Christians, would regard human life to be sacred from the point of conception, and as such, afforded human rights. (KU) However, humanists would argue that while the embryo should be respected, its value should not take precedence over the rights of the mother. (KU)5/5 marks
17. Analyse this source (5 marks)Clinton makes a claim that suggests pro-choice is not the same as pro-abortion. She is asking people to ensure they know the difference between both due to the sensitivity around this moral issue. The consequences of her argument allows for people to see that being pro-choice does not mean people are fighting for the death of unborn babies but instead, fighting for the right to be heard, to be listened and to be giving their place in the world and to be allowed to make that choice . She implies that women should be trusted when they make their decision and that pro-choice means they have weighed up both sides of the outcome and made the right decision for her and for the unborn baby. The underlying consequence of Clinton’s argument would allow for women to feel they are in control of their body and their decisions rather than putting their fate into the hands of those who are untrustworthy Government officials making decisions that do not affect their lives or their bodies.
18. Analyse this source (5 marks)Clinton makes a claim that suggests pro-choice is not the same as pro-abortion. She is asking people to ensure they know the difference between both due to the sensitivity around this moral issue (A). The consequences of her argument allows for people to see that being pro-choice does not mean people are fighting for the death of unborn babies but instead, fighting for the right to be heard, to be listened and to be giving their place in the world and to be allowed to make that choice (A). She implies that women should be trusted when they make their decision and that pro-choice means they have weighed up both sides of the outcome and made the right decision for her and for the unborn baby (A). The underlying consequence of Clinton’s argument would allow for women to feel they are in control of their body and their decisions (A) rather than putting their fate into the hands of those who are untrustworthy Government officials making decisions that do not affect their lives or their bodies (A).5/5 marks
19. Evaluate this source (5 marks)As someone who is pro-choice, I strongly agree with Clinton’s argument. Not only does she provide a sound understanding of the meaning of pro-choice where she makes it clear that pro-choice allows women to make their own decisions about their body which will have an impact on her for her entire life whether she decides to terminate or keep the baby. I also agree because women have the right to gender equality and until men are forced to play a part in the lives of their unborn children, it remains a woman’s choice. Pro-choice also allows women to have safer abortions rather than forcing them to find and use illegal abortionists. Finally, I agree with Clinton’s argument because pro-choice allows women to control their own future and ultimately their life, an unwanted baby disrupts the life of the mother but not necessarily the father, therefore, pro-choice remains the favoured argument when it comes to the beginning of life as women need to be allowed to be in control of their own bodies otherwise it becomes very dangerous for the lives of many women.
20. Evaluate this source (5 marks)As someone who is pro-choice, I strongly agree with Clinton’s argument. Not only does she provide a sound understanding of the meaning of pro-choice where she makes it clear that pro-choice allows women to make their own decisions about their body which will have an impact on her for her entire life whether she decides to terminate or keep the baby (E). I also agree because women have the right to gender equality and until men are forced to play a part in the lives of their unborn children, it remains a woman’s choice (E). Pro-choice also allows women to have safer abortions rather than forcing them to find and use illegal abortionists (E). Finally, I agree with Clinton’s argument because pro-choice allows women to control their own future and ultimately their life, an unwanted baby disrupts the life of the mother but not necessarily the father, therefore, pro-choice remains the favoured argument when it comes to the beginning of life as women need to be allowed to be in control of their own bodies otherwise it becomes very dangerous for the lives of many women (E).4/5 marks
21. Essay questionsPhilosophy of Religion (Teleological)Philosophy of Religion (Cosmological)Medical Ethics Religious Experience
22. Dissertation hints and tipsIdeally, the candidate should choose a question from their area of study, eg Philosophy of Religion, Medical Ethics or Religious ExperienceWhen a candidate chooses a topic that is not covered within the course, this often leads to poorer marks due to the complexity of the question and nature of the topic they have chosen A closed question makes the dissertation topic more difficult, eg Is Abortion morally wrong? Should Assisted Dying be legalised?
23. Dissertation hints and tips (cont)Open questions are key to a successful dissertation, eg: To what extent is abortion morally acceptable? ‘Abortion is never morally acceptable.’ Evaluate religious and non-religious responses to this statement.Assisted dying should be legalised in the UK. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
24. Dissertation hints and tips (cont)As per the MI, make sure that your candidates set our their aim(s) of their dissertation, ideally, this should be done in the first paragraph to try and maximise the KU marks availableSub-headings throughout the dissertation in line with the stated aims in the opening can be a helpful way to keep candidates on track with their argument The Dissertation is a step up from the Higher Assignment in terms of the demand, ensure your candidates are aware of the MI for the Dissertation so they know what they are working towards.
25. Dissertation hints and tips (cont)Less use of ‘this means’ and more use of ‘the implication of this is…’, the consequences of this viewpoint means….and relates to…’ to ensure the analysis is not just a repeat of the KU beforehand.Generic use of ‘Religious People’ and ‘Non-Religious People’ – it is essential that candidates state who these people are. Candidates need to ensure they answer their question throughout the dissertation. Evaluation needs to be throughout and when candidates are using ‘strength and weaknesses’ – they need to use these points to answer the question.
26. Dissertation hints and tips (cont)It is very important that the candidate actually answers the question they have set. It is difficult to apply marks to a piece of work when the question is not being answered. This is why the question is so important – if the question is right, the dissertation will be a much easier process for the candidateKU, sources, analysis and evaluation all have to be relevant to the question, eg if a candidate has the use of the UK in their title and they only talk about the USA, they are not answering the question, so please be mindful of that when marking your dissertations.
27. DissertationsTo what extent can it be argued that religious experience is the best evidence for the existence of God?‘At the end of the day, abortion is still murder.’ Evaluate religious and non-religious responses to this statement.
28. PlenaryOverview and feedback Questions
29. Links to SQA documents 2019 Course ReportCourse Specification Specimen Question paperNational Course Modification SummaryAny further support/help can be obtained by emailing Leigh Anderson (Depute PA for AH and SIM) or Sara Dhesi (SIM)Leigh.anderson@sqa.org.ukSara.dhesi@sqa.org.uk
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