Religious Studies

Course summary

The curriculum is planned so that pupils engage with the basic key principles and tenets of each religion in a reflective and evaluative way, analyzing each from an academic perspective. At the same time, all personal faith positions are respected and a tolerant attitude towards those of different faith positions or none is a precondition of study. Pupils at all levels are introduced to core philosophical principles and arguments, particularly those relating to religion. This again is handled in an evaluative and analytical way, pupils being encouraged to scrutinize arguments and formulate fresh principle and ideas where possible. In addition to the classroom-based activities outlined above, pupils are offered a wide variety of enrichment activities. These include field trip and conference activities, as well as a departmental debating society, Socrates Club. Recent trips and conferences have included: Shri Swarminaryan Mandir, London Chithurst Buddhist Monastery, Sussex Dr Peter Vardy lectures, Exeter Prof. David Catchpole New Testament lectures at Sarum College, Salisbury Cambridge Union Ethics Conference with Dr Rowan Williams GCSE Over the last 20 years our subject has changed almost beyond recognition. The modern study of religious and ethical issues is a demanding and objective logical analysis of the reasons behind what people believe, and how their beliefs determine the way they behave. Courses at this level are designed to provide an enquiring and critical approach to important life questions and moral issues in today’s world. Linguistic and historical skills are developed, alongside a growing understanding of philosophical and theological concepts. Pupils are not required to hold any particular personal religious beliefs, but they should have a serious academic commitment and an open mind. A LEVEL The Department is privileged to offer two distinct courses: A Level Religious Studies (including New Testament Theology) and A Level Philosophy. A Level Religious Studies deals with the most difficult and significant questions human beings ask such as ‘Is there a God?’, ‘What happens when we die?’ and ‘How can anyone take religion seriously when there is so much suffering in the world?’ The study of the New Testament is a challenging analysis of a text which forms the basis for all credal statements within the Church. Typical areas of study include considering who Jesus was and why he was crucified. The study of Religious Ethics incorporates the study of ethical theories, the application of ethical theories to issues of importance, ethical language, deontology, and virtue ethics. During the course, pupils will engage with issues such as medical ethics and issues of life and death. The A Level Philosophy course is designed to develop a range of transferable skills which can be applied far beyond the study of Philosophy. It gives pupils a thorough grounding in key philosophical concepts, themes, texts and techniques as well as enabling them to develop the ability to reason, form their own judgements, express themselves coherently and contribute to the process of debate. These skills are developed by focusing on the major philosophical areas of Epistemology, Philosophy of Religion, Ethics and Moral Philosophy, and Philosophy of Mind.