Academic/Subject Departments

Religious Studies

In the Religious Studies Department, we aim to provide high quality education for all our students. The scheme of work is planned so that students engage with some of the best that has been taught and done by spiritual teachers of all ages and cultures. In the process they learn from religion as well as about it. All personal faith positions are respected and a tolerant attitude towards people of different faith positions or none is expected both in and out of the classroom.

In Years 7-9, we use a thematic approach to study a variety of topics from the six major world religions. Students have the opportunity to research, analyse, discuss, debate and reflect on issues and evaluate different responses to them. They are also encouraged to compare and contrast beliefs and practices, develop thinking skills and learn independently and co-operate with others.

Religious Studies enhances the multicultural nature of the school. Students are happy to share the way they practise their faith and this adds a special dimension to lessons. We are continually encouraged by the amazing pieces of work produced by our students and, as teachers, we have been impressed by the creative approach and empathy shown by our students in this subject.

To extend their learning, we give students an exciting range of homework tasks. For example, Year 7 students invent their own ‘World Religion’ games, while Year 8 students design a Hajj travel brochure and Year 9 students produce a ‘personal response’ to the Holocaust. At our open mornings, parents have been deeply moved by the maturity of these responses made through art, poetry, literature and music.

Students enjoy visits to places of worship and are always eager to hear about the nature of worship from a practising member of the faith. In Year 9 our visit to the Holocaust Centre near Newark is one that students never forget. They all appreciate the opportunity to hear a talk from a Holocaust survivor.

Religious Studies is a very successful subject at GCSE. Over 90% of the students on the course have achieved a grade A or above. Students follow the OCR course in Buddhism in Year 10, and Moral Issues from a Christian Perspective in Year 11. They enjoy practising Buddhist meditation and studying case studies on topical issues such as euthanasia and pacifism. The visit to different Buddhist places of worship is a highlight for Year 10 students, as is the visit to Coventry Cathedral in Year 11, where students see for themselves how Christians have responded to war.

An indication of the enjoyment of this subject by many students is the large number of GCSE students who continue to A-level. The course we follow is the OCR course ‘Philosophy of Religion and Ethics’. In Philosophy of Religion, pupils look at topics including the problem of evil, the qualities of God and the debate between science and religion. In the ethics side of the course the ethical issues of euthanasia, abortion, genetic engineeing and war are studied in relation to ethical theories. The course is clearly enjoyed by students and this is shown in some of their own quotations below.

“This subject completely exceeded my expectations. My philosophy and ethics teachers provide an environment where I can share my opinions confidently and engage in debates about so many different, relevant topics. Don’t be misguided in thinking you’ll just be learning about religions, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.” – Y13 Student

“It gives you a chance to open your mind to issues you wouldn’t have thought about before.” – Y13 Student

“I love having my opinions challenged in an enviroment where everyone respects everyone else” – Y13 Student

All students, but particularly those interested in medicine, have found the visit to the Assisted Reproduction Unit at the Hallamshire Hospital very thought-provoking. The majority of students achieve A grades at AS and A2 levels.