Religion and Philosophy

We aim to:

• Promote empathy with and understanding of faith perspectives
• Examine the validity of religious truth claims
• Allow pupils the opportunity for spiritual development
• Enable pupils the opportunity to address the “big questions”
concerning the purpose and value of human existence, the nature and role of moral codes and whether death is the end

How much time is spent in a 10 day cycle on Religion and Philosophy?

• Lower school – pupils study Religion and Philosophy as part of the Life Studies curriculum which is taught once a week in first-third year.
• Middle School – pupils opting for GCSE Religious Studies are taught five times in a ten day cycle.
• Upper School – pupils opting for A Level Religious Studies or Philosophy are taught ten times in a ten day cycle.

Do I need to have a religious belief?

There is absolutely no reason for students of religion to be religious. All that is asked is that pupils adopt an open mind and attempt to appreciate the subtleties, nuances and intellectually demanding nature of the concepts contained in religious beliefs and practices.

What is Religion and Philosophy in the Lower School like?

All pupils will learn about the major world religions in the course of their Life Studies lessons. The emphasis on Christianity, Islam and Judaism is deliberate and reflects the demographic amongst the school intake. Religions are studied from a contemporary standpoint with pupils being asked to comment on issues such as Islamaphobia, the Arab-Israeli problem and the rise of New Right Christian evangelism. Moral and philosophical issues form a large part of class discussion and pupils are encouraged to appreciate the difficulties to be found in making value judgements, particularly in a Post-Modern relativist age.

What happens further up the school?

GCSE

At GSCE the department follows the OCR specification B syllabus in Philosophy and Ethics. Pupils are required to sit two examinations, each lasting two hours. There is no coursework element to the GCSE.

This course enables pupils to examine fundamental questions concerning the nature of their existence and makes no assumption concerning faith background. Indeed, the atheist’s position is welcomed as just as valid as that of the theist. What is demanded is an ability to construct well-reasoned arguments to support your view and a willingness to challenge the often unthinking acceptance of the consensus.

In the Fourth Year, pupils focus on philosophical issues such as the nature of God, religion and science, good and evil and death and the afterlife. In the Fifth Year, religious studies students examine ethical issues such as equality and medical ethics, human relationships, poverty, wealth, peace and justice.

A Level

Religious Studies: Philosophy & Ethics

Religious Studies: Philosophy & Ethics is an academic subject delivered by the Religion and Philosophy Department, which requires pupils to examine traditional ethical and philosophical theories critically and challenge conventionally accepted wisdom. Religious Studies allows pupils to express their own philosophical and ethical standpoints whilst simultaneously developing key critical thinking skills. Whilst examining ancient wisdom and philosophy, the course also allows pupils to study ethical issues in depth which are relevant to life in today’s society, for instance abortion, war & peace and euthanasia. This enables pupils to develop a historical view of philosophy and ethics whilst also contextualising theories to suit modern day situations. Modules studied are comprised of Religious Ethics and the Philosophy of Religion. These include ethical theories and their application to contemporary ethical issues and Philosophical problems such as arguments for God’s existence and the challenges to belief in God.

A Level Philosophy

Also offered by the department is A Level Philosophy which is a distinct course from the Religious Studies A Level. The syllabus includes topics ranging from metaphysical questions of identity, freedom and ontology, as well as issues concerning epistemology and the nature of reality. To begin with the emphasis is on the importance of acquiring understanding of some fundamental philosophical concepts. Students then go on to consider issues central to human existence, as well as some of the practical applications to this in relation to the Law and Politics. The second half of the A Level course expects a deeper engagement with a philosophical theme and a philosophical text. Greater emphasis is placed on the interconnectedness of issues and on evaluation.

Are there any trips?

All GCSE Religious Studies students are invited to participate in a trip to Krakow, Poland to visit areas of significance during the Holocaust. Students have the opportunity to visit the concentration camps and the museums in the area. Students also take a tour of the city itself and reflect on what life would have been like in the Ghetto.

Are there any clubs?

Philosophy club runs at lunchtimes for third year students. This is an opportunity to discuss big ideas and concepts which are not always covered during lessons.