AIMS AND VALUES 

All KS3 girls follow a wide-ranging, non-confessional course of Religious Studies in which they learn about and learn from The Bible, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism, as well as considering various personal and social moral questions.  At GCSE and A’ level, students enjoy the challenge of studying Philosophy and Ethics. In recent years GCSE results have fallen between B and A*, and 40% of last year’s A level students attained grades A and A*

Each student regardless of her home background, academic ability, philosophical outlook or religious convictions will be encouraged to: 

  • acquire the knowledge and intellectual skills needed in order to understand, appreciate and evaluate whatever religious beliefs and practices, moral views or philosophical positions they are likely to encounter.  
  • develop the sensitivity, empathy, concern, tolerance and respect needed to appreciate other people, their lives and views.
  • acquire a knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the Judaic-Christian religion which lies at the foundation of Western Civilisation. 
  • learn about, and learn from, the major world religions in order to make sense of the pluralistic world in which we live, and to gain enrichment from as many sources of wisdom as possible.
  • reflect upon their own needs, experiences and spiritual insights and to examine what may be described as “life’s ultimate questions”.
  • search for truth and meaning, and examine and develop their own moral and religious outlook in the light of this search.   

In addition to pursuing its own aims, the department seeks to promote the school’s aims and values in all its activities. 

Whilst recognising that the personal, moral, spiritual and cultural development of each student is properly the concern of every department and all members of staff, the Religious Studies Department takes a particular and special interest in these areas.  We are committed to providing Religious Education using an inclusive, non-confessional approach.  The Religious Studies Department recognises the central importance of Jesus and his Gospel.  However, our aim is always to educate, and not to indoctrinate.  We are pleased to teach students from a wide variety of religious backgrounds, both Christian and non-Christian as well as those who may have no clearly formulated religious beliefs.  We respect the right of all students to maintain and develop their own religious beliefs and values, and view pluralism in a positive rather than a negative light.  

RELIGIOUS STUDIES: CURRICULUM 

Upper Third:   

  1. Awe, wonder & mystery, Holy places, Signs and Symbols, Creation, Truth and Truths.
  2. Introduction to the Bible.
  3. A study of the development of the Hebrew understanding of the nature of God and the responsibility of Mankind shown through the Old Testament from the Patriarchs to the Prophets.      
  4. A study of Judaism.

 Lower Fourth:  

   
  1. A study of the life, teaching, person and significance of Jesus.
  2. A study of Christianity. 

Upper Fourth: 

  1. An introduction to the study of World Religions.
  2. A Study of Islam.
  3. A study of Hinduism
  4. A study of Sikhism.
  5. A study of Buddhism 

Lower Fifth to Upper Fifth: Religious Studies – GCSE

In the Lower and Upper Fifth, girls may choose to study Religious Studies at examination level as one of their options.  At GCSE girls take OCR Religious Studies sections on Philosophy and Applied Ethics. 

Lower Fifth to Upper Fifth: General Divinity 

Whether or not they choose to study Religious Studies, all girls take one lesson each fortnight of general Religious Education.  In these lessons, we examine a variety of religious, social and moral issues and try to develop clear ways of thinking and speaking of difficult matters.  Girls are introduced to Ethics and the Philosophy of Religion.  They have the opportunity to research topics of particular interest and share their findings with the group.  Much of our work in these lessons is discussion based.

Sixth Form: Religious Studies – GCE, AS and A2 

Sixth Form students may choose to take Religious Studies A Level.  We offer EDEXCEL specification Philosophy of Religion and Ethics modules at AS and A2.

Something you might not know....

The Religious Studies Department runs an annual Religious Studies competition for Year 9 girls, this year on the theme of “Sacred Space”. Girls also enjoy occasional educational visits and talks from outside speakers.