Religious Studies
“Many people would sooner die than think; in fact they do so”. – Bertrand Russell
Philosophy, Ethics and Religion come under the auspices of Religious Studies. The aim of the subject is to provide students with sound knowledge of key thinking in three key areas which help humans explore questions of meaning.
Students at King Edward’s will be studying the OCR A Level in Religious Studies (Philosophy, Ethics and Religion). Studying this subject is not simply about learning a body of knowledge, it is also about learning an invaluable skill - how to recognise, evaluate and construct arguments, whether on the page or in classroom debate. The department aims to promote honest and robust discussion and to provide students with a stimulating, enjoyable and academically rigorous study of philosophy, ethics and developments in religious thought.
An A Level in this subject can be extremely valuable. An understanding of ethical issues is required in many professions such as Law, Medicine, Chartered Accountancy, Banking, and the Armed Forces. It is also an excellent subject for any pupil who wants to go on to work with people. Philosophy graduates are highly sought after by developers of AI. This is an area of growth in the modern world and critical thinking about uses of AI is essential for the future of humanity.
Entry Requirements
Grade 6 in Religious Studies if studied at GCSE.
The course is also open to all regardless of whether they have studied GCSE Religious Studies or not. The only prerequisite to the A Level course is a willingness to engage in debate and to have an open mind.
Topics Covered
Over the two year course, students will study the following:
Component 01: Philosophy of Religion
Students study philosophical language and thought, and issues and questions raised by belief:
- Ancient philosophical influences (Plato and Aristotle)
- The nature of the soul, mind and body
- Arguments for the existence of God using both observation and logic
- The nature and impact of religious experience
- The problem of evil for religious believers
- Ideas about the attributes of God
- Issues in religious language.
Component 02: Religion and Ethics
Students explore key concepts and the works of influential thinkers, ethical theories and their application:
- Normative ethical theories
- The application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance
- Ethical language and thought
- Debates surrounding the significant idea of conscience
- Sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious beliefs.
Component 03: Developments in Religious Thought
Students study Christianity systematically and explore:
- Augustine’s views on Human Nature
- Death and the afterlife
- Knowledge of God’s existence
- The person of Jesus Christ
- Christian Moral Principles and Moral Action
- Religious Pluralism in theology and society
- Gender in theology and society
- The challenge of Secularism
- Liberation Theology and Marx
Methods of Assessment
Paper 1: 2 hours – 33.3% Philosophy of Religion
Paper 2: 2 hours – 33.3% Religion and Ethics
Paper 3: 2 hours – 33.3% Developments in Religious Thought
Meet the Staff
If you have a specific enquiry for the Philosophy Department, email rs@kes.hants.sch.uk
| Mr. A.E. Cross MA | Head of Religious Studies and Philosophy |
| Mrs. R.S. Kairis BA | Teacher of Religious Studies |
| Mrs. H.E.M. Searles MA | Religious Studies, Head of Upper School, Senior Staff Leader |
| Mrs Z McDonald BA | Teacher of Religious Studies |
