Religion and Philosophy
Welcome to the Religion and Philosophy Department
Parkstone has a large Religious Studies department, with two teaching rooms.
KS3
In years 8 and 9 girls study topics including the origins of religion across the globe, wedding ceremonies of different religions, and ethical issues such as crime and euthanasia.
KS4
At Key Stage 3 (years 10 and 11) Religious Education is still part of the national curriculum, and so girls have one lesson a fortnight. Students cover a wide variety of topics including the identity of Jesus within St Mark's gospel. Questions such as the nature and identity of Jesus, miracles, death and resurrection will be considered from a non-confessional perspective.
GCSE Religious and Moral Philosophy
This course is not primarily concerned with thoughts to repeat but how to think. The GCSE course encourages lively debate on issues relevant to the human condition and enables students to develop analytical and evaluative skills when presenting well-informed, coherent arguments. The units of study include the existence of God, spirituality, medical ethics and ecology.
A Level Religious and Moral Philosophy
The aim of A Level Religious and Moral Philosophy is to gain a new way of thinking, rather than thoughts to repeat. Students are encouraged to analyse logical arguments and develop their critical thinking by challenging premises and offering alternative explanations. Much attention is paid to improving students' evaluative skills so that they are able to present coherent, persuasive arguments which arrive at well-informed judgements.
The course will consider the foundations of Ethics and Philosophy from Socrates to Sarte and Ethical theories such as Kant, Utilitarianism, Post-modernism and Proportionalism. We will also cover applied Ethics such as Abortion, Euthanasia, Just War and Ecology. The Religious Philosophy element of the course includes arguments for and against the existence of God, the Psychology of Religion and the Problem of Evil.
Click here to view the examination board specification
