The purpose of education is the formation of character and the preservation of tradition. Understanding religions and is necessary to understand cultures. To know, understand and appreciate Western culture, its art, music, literature, architecture, festivals, rituals, language, etc., one must have a working knowledge of Christianity and the Bible.
Furthermore, learning other religions and philosophical systems helps in understanding other peoples of the world. Important in a society which has welcomed peoples from different cultures. It is the aim of the department to deliver a curriculum that achieves those two aims. To foster critical thinking, moral development, and cultural understanding, leading to improved academic attainment and personal growth for all pupils.
Pupils are better equipped for third level education and employment in business, law, government, finance, computer science, journalism, project management and teaching. Divinity helps develop skills such as verbal reasoning, good rhetorical skills, creative thinking, presenting a clearly formulated and coherent argument, analysing dense and difficult written material and carrying out independent inquiry.
Year 8: The Bible; Who Is Jesus?; Slavery
Year 9: Jesus and Others (Contemporary Social Issues); Easter; Buddhism
Year 10: Addiction; Arguments For and Against the Existence of God; The Ethics of Warfare
Year 11: Ethics.
Year 12: Philosophy (including perspectives in Hinduism and Islam).
Year 13: Ethics: Deontological and teleological approaches to moral decision making; life and death issues.
Philosophy: Arguments for the existence of God; God, atheism and the problem of evil; the problem of miracle; religious experience and its credentials
Year 14: Ethics: Moral theory; Global rights; Global issues; Synoptic assessment – Conscience, freedom and tolerance.
Philosophy: Religious Language, science and belief; The afterlife – body, soul and personal identity; Religion and morality; Synoptic Assessment: Faith, Freedom and Atheism.
A Level 92% A*-C
GCSE 83% A*-C.
The Religious Studies Department actively engages students beyond the classroom through a variety of enriching opportunities. By participating in Christian Union, students deepen their spiritual growth and explore faith through community and shared study. Additionally, the department encourages involvement in philosophy and ethics symposiums and conferences, where students can engage with contemporary debates, network with scholars, and broaden their understanding of religious, ethical, and philosophical issues. These experiences foster critical thinking, personal development, and a deeper connection between academic study and lived practice.