Philosophy, Ethics and Religion
What do you want to know and what do you believe?
The ability to make informed judgements about religious and moral issues is more important than ever in today’s world.
The Religious Studies and Philosophy Department at King Edward’s consists of specialist teachers who are all highly enthusiastic and committed to delivering quality Religious Studies teaching.
The Department values the contributions of students of every faith and of no faith background in its pursuit of rigorous academic study. The aim of the Department is not to prescribe a personal faith in any particular belief system but to nurture each student’s own perspective whether religious or secular and to provide an opportunity for them to explore and consider perspectives other than their own.
Religious Studies plays a fundamental role in creating independent and creative thinkers; critical and disciplined students and kind and tolerant individuals.
Former Head of Department, Mrs Lane, shares more information on studying Philosophy, Ethics and Religion at King Edward VI School.
Lower School
You will study a broad curriculum covering numerous philosophical, ethical and religious topics which are sure to make you think. Via thought experiments, class discussions and many fascinating debates, you will attempt to answer some of life’s big questions, such as: Why are we here? Is it always right to say that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few? How do we know what we know? What happens when we die? If there is a loving God, why is there suffering in the world? Other topics will include learning about the three Abrahamic faiths as well as the three main Eastern religions. You will investigate the key features of faith and how they influence religious believers, as well as what makes different religions unique and distinct from each other.
Upper School
You will have the option of studying the RS GCSE, which will involve detailed study of the beliefs and practices of Christianity and Buddhism. Contrasting the teachings of Jesus and the Buddha will highlight some of humankind’s deepest questions about reality.
You will also study four philosophical themes, including ‘Crime and Punishment’, ‘Peace and Conflict’ and ‘Human Rights and Social Justice’. Here you will debate, amongst other key questions, whether the death penalty is ever justified, whether countries are ever justified in going to war and what the key elements of social justice are in the 21st Century.
Year 9 and Year 10
In Year 9 and Year 10, all our students pursue the AQA Short Course A specification in Religious Studies as part of the core curriculum.
Religious Studies - Full Course
In addition to studying the Short Course, students may also opt to take a Full Course in Religious Studies and study for the HPQ. Christian beliefs and beliefs within Islam are studied at this level, with the themes of relationships and war, peace and conflict. In the full course, the themes of religion and life, alongside crime and punishment are studied alongside Christian practices and Muslim practices.
Enrichment Opportunities
Trips
Visits to places of interest for the greater understanding of religious beliefs and teachings are always relevant and helpful. In previous years there have been visits to
- Winchester Cathedral
- Local Mosques and Gurdwaras.
- Neasden Temple (Year 10 GCSE Full Course)
- The main synagogue in Oxford (Year 8)
- St Barnabas Church (Year 8)
Meet the Staff
If you have a specific enquiry for the Religious Studies Department, email aec@kes.hants.sch.uk
| Mr. A.E. Cross MA | Head of Religious Studies and Philosophy |
| Mrs. R.S. Kairis BA | Religious Studies |
| Mrs. H.E.M. Searles MA | Religious Studies, Head of Upper School and Senior Staff Leader |
| Mrs. Z. McDonald BA | Teacher of Religious Studies |
