The Religious Education and Philosophy department helps pupils acquire a respectful knowledge and understanding of the core beliefs and practices of Christianity and the five other principal world religions. Students are encouraged to develop a critical awareness of the influences of beliefs, values and traditions upon individuals, communities and culture, and to develop their ability to make reasoned ethical judgements.

In Year 7, pupils study an introduction to Judaism and Islam, learn about the three monotheistic faiths and visit a Synagogue and a Mosque. Year 8 looks at scientific and religious approaches to creation and cosmology, and at Hinduism and Buddhism. Year 9 pupils study marriage customs from around the world and analyse the issues raised by a study of evil. They also study Sikhism.

Students working towards their Religious Studies GCSE discuss the existence of God, as well as marriage and family life, social relations between different ethnic and religious groups, ethical issues and the way religion is portrayed in the media. Pupils also analyse the relationship between religion and politics, war and peace, environmental ethics and matters concerning justice, law and punishment.

The Philosophy and Ethics A level course covers traditional arguments for and against the existence of God, ethical theories, applied ethics and Greek philosophy. Pupils also further develop themes such as life after death, sexual and medical ethics and the ways in which we discover right and wrong. Annual conferences hosted by the School give access to leading scholars and current philosophical and ethical debates.

Click here for more information on the National Curriculum level descriptions at Key Stages 3 and 4.