Religion, Philosophy & Ethics

The Religion, Philosophy & Ethics Department encourages a genuine exploration of the world faiths to provide pupils with vital tools– an open mind and the habit of analysis. The aim is to explore the relevance of religion to everyday life and contemporary ethical issues.

As a Cathedral School, there is a commitment to the teaching of Christianity. Religious Studies is about our responses to profound experiences such as death, suffering, good and evil, as well as the search for meaning and purpose in life. It is hoped pupils will find “ransacking the treasures of the world religions illuminating, challenging and meaningful” as they figure out their own philosophy of life.

Years 7-9

In Years 7 and 8, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism are investigated through text and story, film, artwork, authentic artefacts, as well as writing and discussion. Pupils also have the opportunity to enter competitions such as the national ‘Spirited Arts’ and ‘Spirited Poetry’ competitions.

In Year 9, our ‘Introduction to Philosophy’ engages pupils with the insights of the great philosophers including Plato, Descartes and Aquinas, and consider what they have to teach us about truth, how we see the world, the meaning and purpose of life, and the existence of God. The ‘Introduction to Ethics’ explores different ways in which right and wrong may be known, for example utilitarianism, and applies these to issues ranging from animal rights to driverless cars.

GCSE course

The Religious Studies GCSE course entails the systematic study of the beliefs and practices of two religions: Christianity and Islam. Pupils then study a range of ethical issues.

The course involves discussion and dialogue about the real world and ethical concerns facing society today. It enables pupils to develop a coherent understanding of the beliefs and practices of the two biggest world religions, and a consistent view of their own on religion, values and lifestyles. The course also includes meeting faith representatives, and trips e.g. to a mosque in Cardiff.

The ethical issues are investigated in the light of UK law, current moral debates, the beliefs of Christianity and Islam, and secular viewpoints. The emphasis is on the relevance of religion to everyday life and the development of critical thinking skills. The course provides a very good foundation for the A-Level in Philosophy and Ethics and further studies in law, medicine, theology, philosophy, politics and business, as well as food for thought for life. 
 

A-Level course

See Sixth Form Curriculum here for full details of our A-Level Religion, Philosophy & Ethics course.