Religious Studies
Religious Studies: Philosophy and Ethics
To find what you seek in the road of life, the best proverb of all is that which says:
"Leave no stone unturned."
Edward Bulwer Lytton
What are pupils taught?
– In Key Stage 3 pupils are taught according to the Staffordshire Agreed Syllabus
– This means that they are asked to think about issues such as mysteries, feasting and fasting and the relationship between science and religion in Years 7 & 8.
– Later, in Year 9 they think about BIGGER questions, such as; Does God Exist? Why there is evil and suffering in the world and Death and the Afterlife.
I’m not religious, though
• So what! In R.E. pupils are encouraged to have an open mind and to voice their own opinions. It doesn’t matter if they don’t believe in God or disagree with religious viewpoints, as long as they can say WHY!
O.K. but R.E. isn’t a useful qualification to have, is it?
Again, QEMS pupils disagree.
– Pupils follow the OCR Philosophy and Ethics Religious Studies course if they opt for the subject.
– In Years 10 & 11 over 60 pupils have chosen to study GCSE exams in Philosophy and Ethics, we cover units in
1. Belief about Deity
2. Religious and spiritual experience
3. The end of life
4. Good and Evil
5. Religion, reason and revelation
6. Religion and science
7. Religion and human relationships
8. Religion and medical ethics
9. Religion poverty and wealth
10. Religion peace and justice
11. Religion and equality
12. Religion and the media
In Years 12 & 13 over 40 pupils are studying for AS and A2 exams in Philosophy and Ethics
But R.E. is rubbish really isn’t it?
– Responses to pupil questionnaires and interviews have shown that large numbers of pupils feel that their R.E. lessons are valuable and interesting.
3 good reasons why we think Philosophy and Ethics is the best!
1. It is highly interesting – Many Hollywood movies are based on the concepts of philosophy and ethics, the Matrix for example. Do we know anything, how do we know what is real?
2. The skills and knowledge that you will develop through studying Philosophy and Ethics can help with a range of career options. Did you know Ricky Gervais has a philosophy degree!
3. Descartes said: “I think therefore I am” A Philosophy and Ethics course will get you thinking… According to Descartes….If you’re thinking then you exist! Do you need another reason to take Philosophy and Ethics?!!?
Links:
OCR Exam information for GCSE Philosophy and applied Ethics
