Those who study religions encounter hugely influential ways of life, with implications for a better understanding of history, culture and the personal quest for meaning. All of these aspects are reflected in our work. Our syllabus is designed to educate, rather than to instruct or indoctrinate, and we are particularly concerned that each boy is enabled to encounter religion in ways which promote spiritual growth and the affirmation of belief. Mutual tolerance and respect are outcomes we greatly value.
Staff
Mr A L Stacey BEd (Head of Department)
Mrs S G Cawtherley BA
Aims
The central aim of the department is to support the spiritual, moral, cultural and social development of the boys through an exploration of shared human experience and a study of the principal religions represented in Britain today.
Outline of work
Over the course of the first three years all boys are taught RS for two periods a week. By the end of the Third Form they will have a working knowledge of a range of beliefs and practices of the six major world religions. They will also have thought carefully about a variety of issues that impact upon their own points of view.
GCSE
After the Third Form, Religious Studies is available as an option. Many boys find a qualification in RS to be extremely worthwhile. Critical thinking skills are a significant aspect of the course, as are those of self-expression. Not surprisingly, the subject relates well to a number of professions, including Law, Medicine, Journalism, Teaching, Media, Police and Social Work.
A Level
Religions make some big claims. For example, ‘God exists and he is both all-powerful and all-good’. Can this be true? What arguments could be used to prove it? If God is good then why would such an all-powerful being create a world full of suffering? On the other hand, around 2500 years ago, a man called Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) claimed to have discovered the way to overcome all suffering and achieve permanent happiness here and now. Investigating these remarkable claims about God and the Buddha forms a key part of Religious Studies at A Level.
Religious Studies provides the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills and combines well with almost all other Humanities AS and A2 subjects such as History, Geography and English. If taken with subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Religious Studies will contribute to a broad-based curriculum and some welcome variety.
Our modules are drawn from the syllabus in Religious Studies offered by EDEXCEL and cover two broad areas of study: Philosophy of Religion and Buddhism.
Teaching methods and resources
The department operates from two specialist rooms and employs a variety of resources. Our collection of artefacts helps to reinforce a more ‘hands on’ approach, which is supplemented wherever possible by demonstrations and visits. Wireless connection to the school’s Learning Resource Centre supports a healthy programme of digital presentations and provides opportunities for further research, whilst the departmental library contains a wide range of books to complement the requirements of A Level coursework.
Extra-curricular activities
Regular visits are made to places of worship in the region. And on a regular basis boys are invited to mini-celebrations related to a variety of key festivals observed within the major religions. These are occasions for gaining insight into other lifestyles through activities such as story-telling, singing, eating, games and quizzes.