Philosophy and Ethics learning area contacts:

• ATAR

  The Philosophy and Ethics ATAR course engages students with three classical questions of the human condition: ‘What is real?’; ‘How do we know?’ and ‘How should we live?’ Within this context, the course gives students the opportunity to explore the world of concepts from both contemporary and historical perspectives. Students are taught clarification, evaluation and argument. They develop the specific skills to inquire, reason and make judgements.

  Syllabus

  • ATAR Syllabus Year 11 - For teaching from 2026 (565.7 KB)Last updated: 28 Jan 2026 4:43pmAlso available in Word Format (387.5 KB)
  • ATAR Syllabus Year 12 - For teaching from 2024 (350.9 KB)Last updated: 05 Feb 2024 9:04amAlso available in Word Format (170.0 KB)

  What's changing

  • ATAR Year 12 What's changing - General capabilities (409.2 KB)Last updated: 30 Oct 2025 2:15pmAlso available in Word Format (317.7 KB)
  • ATAR Year 12 What's changing - Rationale and Aims (391.4 KB)Last updated: 30 Oct 2025 2:15pmAlso available in Word Format (315.5 KB)

  Grading

  • Grade descriptions in Year 11 syllabus

  • Grade descriptions in Year 12 syllabus

  Support Materials

  • Glossary of key words used in the formulation of questions (381.7 KB)Last updated: 28 Jan 2026 11:38amAlso available in Word Format (212.3 KB)
  • ATAR Year 12 sample assessment tasks (586.4 KB)Last updated: 05 May 2026 4:46pmAlso available in Word Format (375.8 KB)
  • ATAR Year 11 sample assessment tasks (647.2 KB)Last updated: 05 May 2026 4:46pmAlso available in Word Format (384.5 KB)
  • ATAR Year 11 sample assessment outline (381.2 KB)Last updated: 17 Sep 2024 11:38amAlso available in Word Format (352.1 KB)
  • ATAR Year 11 sample course outline (490.6 KB)Last updated: 17 Sep 2024 11:37amAlso available in Word Format (378.8 KB)
  • ATAR Year 11 suggested references (468.8 KB)Last updated: 17 Sep 2024 11:38amAlso available in Word Format (353.0 KB)
  • ATAR Year 12 sample assessment outline (391.5 KB)Last updated: 17 Sep 2024 11:38amAlso available in Word Format (353.3 KB)
  • ATAR Year 12 sample course outline (475.1 KB)Last updated: 17 Sep 2024 11:38amAlso available in Word Format (371.3 KB)
  • ATAR Year 12 suggested references (410.1 KB)Last updated: 17 Sep 2024 11:38amAlso available in Word Format (352.9 KB)

  Examination Materials

  • 2025 Summary examination report for candidates (256.6 KB)Last updated: 19 Mar 2026 2:28pm
  • 2025 Examination (451.6 KB)Last updated: 28 Jan 2026 1:21pm
  • 2025 Marking Key (329.6 KB)Last updated: 28 Jan 2026 1:21pm
  • Additional Past ATAR Course Examinations