Key Stage 3	GCSE	Pre IB	A Level	IB Diploma

Religious Studies  

Independent Thought

“I know I have been really thinking because my head aches.”
Year 10 student 
Religious Studies encourages all students to think deeply about complex issues. We are committed to drawing out the best from our students, whether in Year 7 or 13. All students in school take the full GCSE, which takes in a wide range of ethical issues and philosophical questions. At A-level students may opt to take the Philosophy and Ethics course, which challenges students in exciting new ways. Religious Studies prepares students for university study as it requires a high level of abstract thought and critical analysis.

Creativity

We encourage all of our students to express themselves both intellectually and creatively. We make full use of the macbooks with which all students are provided to stretch their ability to work in new ways. Class presentations are encouraged to be slick, well-rehearsed and informative. Although essays form a fundamental part of the A-level course, our students also work in complimentary and innovative ways, such as recording podcasts which can then be shared via our Virtual Learning Environment page.

Lessons for Life

“It is about real life and has changed the way I look at things.”
Year 13 student
Religious Studies looks at how groups of people have responded to fundamental questions about life. "Does God exist?" is not purely an abstract question, because the answer must have ramifications in the world around us. We want all of our students to see the subject as the point at which the abstract meets the world of our experience. Through the study of ethics, GCSE and A-level students question how we should respond to real world challenges such as abortion, warfare, poverty and capital punishment.

 

Head of Department: Ms E. C. Jameson