Year 12 Excellence Programme
Weekly Masterclasses for A-Level Religious Studies & Philosophy Students Aiming for A and A*
Tuesdays, 5pm, Starts 6th October 2026
Maximum 6 places
Many Year 12 students work hard throughout the year but still feel they are only just keeping up. Lessons move quickly, teachers have to teach to the whole class, and there is rarely enough time to explore the deeper ideas that separate the very best answers from the rest.
Our weekly masterclasses are designed specifically for ambitious Year 12 students who want to stay ahead of their school lessons, strengthen weak areas before they become problems, and build the confidence needed to excel in Year 12 exams and move into the much more demanding Year 13 course.
Each session goes beyond simply learning the specification. We develop the analytical thinking, philosophical understanding and essay-writing skills that examiners reward with the highest marks.
Why Join the Weekly Masterclasses?
Every session is designed to help you:
Fill the gaps left by fast-paced school lessons.
Understand difficult concepts before they become barriers to success.
Develop the depth of knowledge needed for A and A* answers.
Learn how examiners award the highest marks.
Build confidence before Year 12 mock and end-of-year examinations.
Begin Year 13 already ahead of your classmates.
Master the deepest content rather than simply memorising the specification.
Get monthly marking, on a relevant exam question.
20 subjects taught in-depth over 30 weeks
If you're aiming not just to pass but to excel, these weekly masterclasses will give you the deeper understanding, sharper analytical skills and greater confidence needed to achieve the highest grades at A-level.
Clear explanations and a great opportunity to check understanding throughout.”
Louise W.
The information was well explained, relevant, and easy to digest.”
Akua G.
A really helpful overview of a large and intimidating topic in the RS specification.”
Coco.
A key way of gaining a holistic insight.”
Riley H.
Gideon Burrows is an expert religious studies and philosophy tutor, committed to helping A-Level students and others think deeper and achieve higher.
He is a graduate in Theology and Philosophy from Oxford University, a PGCE trained teacher from University of East London, and a published author.
What you will gain from this masterclass
Week after week, we'll dig deeper than your classroom can go
Arguments for God
Many students can describe the Cosmological, Teleological and Ontological Arguments, but struggle to compare them critically. We'll help you understand exactly why each argument succeeds or fails, how philosophers respond to one another, and how to write balanced, evaluative essays that reach the top mark bands. By the end of the topic, you'll be able to move beyond description and write with genuine philosophical confidence.
Problem of Evil
The Problem of Evil lies at the heart of Religious Studies and appears throughout Year 13 as well as Year 12. We explore the logical and evidential problems in depth, carefully examine the major theodicies, and show you how to evaluate them rather than simply memorise them. You'll gain the confidence to tackle one of the most challenging topics on the course.
Religious Experience
Many students learn the different types of religious experience but find it difficult to explain whether they provide convincing evidence for God. Together we'll analyse famous case studies, psychological and scientific challenges, and the strengths and weaknesses of religious testimony. You'll learn how to produce thoughtful, sophisticated evaluation that impresses examiners.
Miracles
Miracles are far more than unusual events. We'll explore what philosophers actually mean by a miracle, why David Hume remains so influential, and how modern thinkers respond to his criticisms. You'll learn how to construct persuasive arguments from both sides of the debate instead of relying on simple textbook answers.
Soul, Mind and Life After Death
Questions about consciousness, personal identity and the nature of the soul challenge even the strongest students. We'll connect philosophy, neuroscience and religious belief to help you understand the competing theories in depth. This stronger conceptual understanding makes essay writing significantly easier.
Natural Law
Natural Law contains numerous concepts that can easily become confused. We'll untangle Aquinas' ideas, explain primary and secondary precepts with clarity, and show you exactly how to evaluate Natural Law using contemporary ethical issues. You'll understand not only what the theory says, but how to use it effectively in examinations.
Situation Ethics
Students often underestimate Situation Ethics because it appears straightforward. In reality, the highest marks come from understanding its underlying principles and recognising both its strengths and limitations. We'll show you how to use real-life ethical examples to strengthen every essay.
Utilitarianism
Many students know the difference between Bentham and Mill but struggle to evaluate the theory as a whole. We'll compare classical and modern approaches, explore common criticisms, and teach you how to write sophisticated comparisons with other ethical theories that demonstrate real academic maturity.
Kantian Ethics
Kant's philosophy can appear intimidating at first. We simplify his ideas without oversimplifying them, helping you understand the Categorical Imperative, duty, autonomy and universalisation. By mastering Kant early, you'll find many Year 13 ethical debates much easier to understand.
Meta-Ethics
Meta-Ethics is where many students lose confidence because the language feels unfamiliar. Our sessions make these abstract ideas accessible, helping you understand moral realism, anti-realism, naturalism, intuitionism and emotivism with clarity. Instead of memorising definitions, you'll genuinely understand the debates behind them.
Free Will
Free Will links philosophy, ethics and theology, making it one of the most important topics on the course. We'll help you distinguish between determinism, libertarianism and compatibilism, and teach you how to evaluate each position critically. These analytical skills transfer directly into many other examination topics.
Conscience
Students often confuse the different theories of conscience. We'll compare Aquinas, Butler and Freud carefully, highlighting where they agree and where they differ. You'll leave with a much clearer understanding and a stronger ability to write comparative essays that reach the highest mark bands.
Religion in Contemporary Society
To achieve the highest grades in Religious Studies, you need to understand not only religious beliefs but also how religion functions and changes within today's world. In this topic, we'll explore the decline and transformation of religion in modern society alongside the challenges and opportunities presented by religious diversity.
You'll examine the causes and evidence for secularisation, consider whether religion is truly in decline, and investigate how different faiths relate to one another through exclusivist, inclusivist and pluralist perspectives. By engaging with sociological research, contemporary debates and philosophical arguments, you'll develop the ability to write balanced, sophisticated essays that go well beyond textbook summaries.
This broader understanding of religion in contemporary society provides an excellent foundation for the more advanced theological and philosophical discussions you'll encounter in Year 13, while strengthening the evaluative skills needed for A and A* answers.
Applied Ethics
Applied Ethics is where philosophical theory meets the real world. Rather than simply learning arguments about controversial issues, you'll develop the ability to apply ethical theories confidently and consistently to some of society's most challenging questions, including abortion, euthanasia, sexual ethics and environmental responsibility.
Together, we'll explore complex case studies, legal and social developments, and competing philosophical and religious perspectives. You'll learn how to move beyond expressing personal opinions to constructing balanced, well-reasoned arguments supported by evidence and careful evaluation.
This topic regularly features in examinations because it allows students to demonstrate both breadth of knowledge and depth of analysis. By mastering Applied Ethics, you'll avoid the common mistakes that hold students back, develop the critical thinking expected of A and A* candidates, and gain the confidence to tackle unfamiliar ethical scenarios with clarity, precision and academic maturity.
Pay Complete Course
£750
one time payment & guarantee
Join 30 live classes over the year, tackling 20 key subjects in
A-Level Religious Studies across all exam boards.
Maximum 6 students per class.
Get 1 essay marked per month.
Google Classroom for your class, for discussion, peer review and submitting essays.
Recordings of all classes.
Free access for parents to The RE & Philosophy Parent Hub.
Discounts on all other booklets, resources and live Super Sunday seminars offered throughout the year.
Guarantee. If after four classes you've not gained from your Masterclass, I'll charge just the singly month fee and refund the rest.
Pay Monthly
£110
/month
Join four live classes per month, tackling key subjects in
A-Level Religious Studies across all exam boards.
Maximum 6 students per class.
Get 1 essay marked per month.
Recording of all attended classes.
Free access for parents to The RE & Philosophy Parent Hub.
Just £25 non-returnable deposit to secure your place.
ABOUT ME
Hey, I'm Gideon
I became passionate about Religious Studies at A-level. My teachers were so energetic and empowering that I threw myself into the subject, achieved high grades, and went to the University of Oxford to study Theology and Philosophy.
That passion has never left me.
After a rich career as a journalist, author of 14 books, and two decades training professionals in communication, I returned to education as a mature student. I completed my PGCE with distinction at the University of East London and now teach RE across all secondary key stages in London.
I know from working in schools that too many bright, curious students are let down by chaotic classrooms, non-specialist teachers, and a system that treats Religious Studies and Philosophy as low-priority subjects.
That's why I tutor — to give you the depth, expertise, and individual attention your school can't.
My approach is grounded in evidence-based pedagogy — cognitive load theory, scaffolding, dual coding, and deep questioning. I don't just prepare you for exams. I help you become a genuinely better thinker, which means better grades come naturally.
Not ready to book?
I understand you and your parents may not be sure this course is right for you.
I offer a money back guarantee after a month, you want to leave the masterclass.
But if you're still not sure, take a £25 consultation with me, so we can explore your weaknesses, needs, and whether my Year 12 Excellence Programme is a good fit.
If you decide to proceed - and if I'm sure you'll gain from joining - you'll get that consultation fee taken off the monthly or annual cost of the course.
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