Religious Studies
An integral and very successful part of the school, enabling students to learn about religion; to learn from religion and to develop, personally, spiritually, morally and socially.
STAFF
Mr C Mellers (Head of Department)
Mrs L J Jackson (Head of PSHCE)
Mrs A J Tumber (Head of 6th Form)
FACILITIES
The department has a suite of dedicated classrooms and an ICT resources area. One room is dedicated to 6th Form teaching, designed with the dynamic and discursive nature of the subject in mind.
CURRICULUM
The Shells through to year 11 follow a world religions course based on the LEA syllabus of 1991- further details available upon request. Pupils who choose RS at GCSE follow the OCR Religious Studies Syllabus A studying Christian Perspectives on Personal, Social and World Issues and for World Religions, Judaism or Islam. At AS/A2, the OCR specification in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics of Religion is studied.
ETHOS
In the department, pupils are encouraged to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences and then to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues. All views are welcomed and the staff aim to facilitate debate among the students whilst fostering a sense of curiosity about history, culture, ethics and, of course, religious practice.
DESTINATIONS
Religious Education naturally plays a part in the syllabus of all our pupils. Those who have chosen to study this subject at A Level have gone on to study a wide range of degree disciplines (including Philosophy and Medicine) at excellent Universities.
EXTRA CURRICULAR
The department oversees and encourages the Christian Union group that meets during Tuesday lunchtimes. It is led by pupils, arranging their own programme and speakers.
The Amnesty International group meets in the department during Thursday lunchtime, led by Mrs Jackson. The group has a high profile in the school organizing campaigns, assemblies and fund-raising events throughout the year. The Philosophy Club meets during Friday lunchtime for discussion and debate.
The department consolidates and enhances their classroom teaching with visits to the theatre, cinema, conferences and places of worship.
CONTACT
For more information, contact the department head at: