Religion, Philosophy and Ethics
Religion, Philosophy and Ethics
“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding” Albert Einstein
It is our intent for the Religion, Philosophy and Ethics element of our school curriculum to engage, inspire, challenge and encourage students. We aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills to answer challenging questions, explore different religious beliefs, values and traditions and develop a more rigorous understanding of the numerous religious traditions, beliefs and practices that are followed in our multi-cultural society. We want them to know how Religion, Philosophy and Ethics education enables students to combat prejudice, preparing them for adult life, employment and life-long learning.
Religion, Philosophy and Ethics Education for students provokes challenging questions about the meaning and purpose of life. It develops students’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism.
Religion, Philosophy and Ethics enables students to build their sense of identity and belonging, which helps them flourish within their communities and as citizens in a diverse society. It teaches students to develop respect for others, including people with different faiths and beliefs and helps to challenge prejudice. Religion, Philosophy and Ethics prompts students to consider their responsibilities to themselves and to others and to explore how they might contribute to their communities and to the wider society. It encourages empathy, generosity and compassion.
In our teaching we assert that Religion, Philosophy and Ethics is rooted in three key disciplines or disciplinary fields. These are theology, philosophy and human / social sciences. In this curriculum they are re-contextualised for the school in the following ways:
Theology – Thinking though believing. It is about asking question that believers would ask. It requires pupils to think like theologians, or to look at concepts through a theological lens. Pupils will explore questions and answers that arise from inside religious worldviews.
Philosophy – Thinking through thinking. It is about asking questions that thinkers would ask. It requires pupils to think like philosophers, or to look at concepts through a philosophical lens. Pupils will explore questions and answers raised through considering the nature of knowledge, existence and morality.
Human / Social Sciences – Thinking through living. It requires pupils to think like human and social scientists, or to look at concepts through a human / social science lens. Pupils will explore questions and answers raised in relation to the impact of religions and worldviews on people and their lives.
