R.E & Philosophy & Ethics

Religious Studies is taught throughout the school to GCSE level and Philosophy and Ethics is taught at Advanced level.

Our subject seeks to encourage students to reflect on what it means to be part of humanity, asking questions about the meaning and purpose of life and exploring the variety of responses given to these ultimate questions. The opportunity is therefore provided for students to develop their awareness and understanding of the non-material dimension to life.  This engages students with a high level of conceptual skills and provides enrichment for the whole school curriculum.

The philosophical and ethical dimension to Religious Studies helps students to develop a capacity to think for themselves, to develop their own understanding of right and wrong and to explore the links between a person’s beliefs and actions.  It also aims to examine the moral codes of different belief systems, highlighting integrity and challenging hypocrisy.

One of the primary aims of teaching this subject is to develop student awareness of the beliefs and needs of others, encouraging respect for both the practices and personal stances of others.  It aims to explore the questions related to evil and suffering in world and develop a sense of stewardship within the natural world.

KS3

In year 7 students follow a course of study that includes:

• An introduction to the study of religion.
• An investigation into who Jesus was from a historical and religious perspective.
• A study of the main beliefs and practices of Islam e.g. Why do people go on
  pilgrimage?”
• A study of the main beliefs and practices of Sikhism e.g. The importance of the
  community to Sikhs.

In year 8 students study

• The main beliefs and practices of Hinduism e.g. A Hindu perspective on goals in life.
• Christianity as a world religion e.g. Why Christains give to charity.
• An introduction to Buddhism e.g. Can you have a religion without God?

In Year 9 the courses concentrate on Philosophy of Religion and Ethics.

Topics covered include:

• How we make moral decisions and then investigate a moral issue of their own choosing
• Good and Evil
• The debate between Religion and Science

Whilst reflecting the fact that the primary religious tradition in Britain is Christian, the syllabus is very much concerned with preparing students for life in a multicultural society, where respect and tolerance for all people is vital.  Therefore, a study of the beliefs and practices of the other 5 major religions is included at years 7 and 8.

In year 9, students develop their prior learning and follow a course based on different Philosophical and Ethical issues.  Topics range from ‘What is morality’?  ‘Human Potential for Evil’ and ‘Global Ethics’.  Students consider their own and alternative views on these issues as well as the views of several belief systems.

The balance between Christianity and other world faiths is in line with the Devon agreed syllabus and government requirements.

GCSE

Students who opt for Philosophy and Ethics at GCSE will study a course that will develop their thinking skills and provide an opportunity to consider important questions such as ‘What happens after death’? ‘Is abortion ever acceptable’? and ‘Can religion and science ever be compatible’?   The consideration given to such topical issues helps students to both consider and value the views of others alongside formulating their own ideas and beliefs.

A Level

Philosophy and Ethics is studied via a modular syllabus and can be combined with a variety of other subjects, either as a contrast to the more factual subjects such as Science or Maths, or as a compliment to subjects like Psychology or History.  Questions such as ‘Is religion just a Psychological prop’? and ‘Are individuals free to act morally’? encourage independent thought amongst students as well as enabling students to assimilate and analyse different philosophical ideas.

June 2011