Religious Studies and Philosophy Department

“To think and be fully alive is the same.” - Hannah Arendt

We have put together an exciting programme of study that we believe gives pupils a more nuanced understanding of the beliefs and ideas held across the world, as well as the ability to evaluate critically these ideas for themselves. From Plato’s Cave to the Pillars of Islam, from the Buddhist Noble Eightfold Path to Social Contract Theory, from Hindu views of reincarnation to Plato’s approach to reality, pupils will be given the opportunity to encounter and engage with some of the most important ideas that have influenced the way humanity lives and thinks.

Co-curricular activities include our Lower College Philosophy Café, held in the department’s own ‘Café’ common room; Philosophy 101, an Upper College society exploring the role of Philosophy in real life; Philosophy Society, our pupil-led society for Sixth Form College in which pupils are encouraged to discuss, share, challenge and articulate their ideas. Recent additions to the co-curricular programme include ‘PhilmSoc’, the department’s film society, which meets termly either at the Tivoli cinema in town or at a Sixth Form boarding house. We also host a range of trips and events. Pupils visit a range of places of worship including a mosque, synagogue, cathedral, and Buddhist temple. Expert speakers frequently visit College to ensure students benefit from an even wider range of influences.

LC PROGRAMME

In LC1 and LC2 pupils engage in a linear study of the comparisons between Islam and Judaism. They investigate the history, beliefs, practices and contemporary issues surrounding three faiths. In LC3, pupils begin to explore ethical, philosophical and theological aspects of beliefs, focusing on comparing the philosophies of the West and East.

UC PROGRAMME

Girls can elect to study the AQA GCSE Religion, Philosophy and Ethics, which encompasses a study of Christianity and Buddhism, alongside a study of ethics, drawing together religious and non-religious ideas about issues such as Human Rights, war and peace, crime and punishment, abortion, euthanasia, and wealth and poverty.

SFC PROGRAMME

Girls can opt to study IB Philosophy or OCR A Level Religion, Philosophy and Ethics. The IB includes study of the question ‘What is a Human Being?’; a primary philosophical text (either Descartes’ ‘Meditations’ or Charles Taylor’s ‘Ethics of Authenticity’ moral philosophy and religious philosophy. The A Level is divided into three sections: Philosophy, Ethics and Religious Thought.