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Philosophy and Religion
Head of Department: Mrs E Pagliaro
Mrs P Harrold
The department enables girls to study a variety of religions from a range of perspectives. The major world religions (Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam) will be studied (Judaism and Sikhism in the Junior School), whilst other beliefs and practices (e.g. Zoroastrianism, Rastafarianism, Humanism and Atheism) will be referred to where possible and relevant. Through their studies girls will consider the nature of religion itself and its relevance to their lives and to the lives of others. This will inevitably include a study of philosophy and of ethical theories and issues, leading to the GCSE and AS/A2 examinations, if chosen.
Lower School
Each year group will study at least two topics during the year.
Year 7
Christianity - The life of Jesus
Buddhism
Year 8
Christianity - Varieties of Worship
Moral Issues
Year 9
Why do people believe in God?
Moral Issues
Hinduism
Upper School - Years 10 and 11
GCSE Religious Studies - Philosophy and Ethics
Philosophy unit:
• The nature of God
• The nature of belief
• Religion and science
• Death and the afterlife
• Good and evil
Ethics unit:
• Human relationships
• Medical ethics
• Equality
• Poverty and wealth
• Peace and justice
In addition to the GCSE option, all girls in Years 10 and 11 follow a core course for one period a week. This includes a philosophical and spiritual look at human life and the nature of religion and provides the opportunity to explore some of the more sensitive moral issues. It also includes a study of Islam.
Sixth Form - Years 12 and 13
AS/A2 Religious Studies - Philosophy of Religion and Ethics
The course consists of two modules and a foundation paper and provides an excellent introduction to philosophical thinking and to ethical theories. It includes a study of the philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God, the problem of evil and suffering, the debate about miracles and science. Ethical theories are studied including Natural Law, Kantian ethics, Utilitarianism and Situation Ethics. Theories will be applied to, for example, Conscience and Freedom, Medical ethics, Sexual ethics, War and Peace.
At all times we are concerned with an academic approach to the studies. ALL external examiners clearly state that candidates will not be judged on the basis of personal religious convictions.
Sixth Form Entry Requirements
The main requirements are an active and inquisitive mind, a willingness to think logically, critically and fairly, coupled with a good command of the English language. It is not essential to have taken Religious Studies at GCSE and it is certainly not necessary to be 'religious'. You will soon learn that most students who study philosophy, ethics and religion are simply people who have a strong interest in the enduring questions of what it is to be a human being in this universe. Most of them also enjoy engaging in endless discussion of these questions.
Further Study and Careers
Many students go on to study, for example, Pure Philosophy, Philosophy and Religion, Philosophy, Religion and Ethics, PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics), Psychology, Sociology, Theology.
However Religious Studies is seen to be one of the most interdisciplinary subjects, enabling students to move into a variety of degree subjects and careers.
• The intellectual demands of engaging in abstract argument alone enable students to access, for example, Law.
• The ethical questions which students research, analyse and evaluate make Religious Studies an increasingly important subject for those studying Medicine and Modern Foreign Languages.
• Other careers which welcome a training in philosophy and ethics include accountancy, the civil service, computer programming, counselling, journalism, management consultancy, marketing, politics and teaching, to name but a few.