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Religious Studies and Philosophy Department - an introduction
Religious studies at King Edward’s School is a subject which is aimed at expanding your mind and critical thinking skills. Over the last 20 years this subject has changed almost beyond recognition. The modern study of religious and ethical issues is a demanding and objective logical analysis of the reasons behind what people believe, and how their beliefs determine the way they behave.
At King Edward’s Religious Studies and Philosophy is aimed at developing an enquiring mind and a critical approach to important life and moral issues in today’s world. Linguistic and historical research skills will be developed, alongside a growing understanding of philosophical and theological concepts.
Our teaching staff are dedicated and motivated professionals who are passionate about their subject. Lessons are stimulating with lively discussion and there is an enriched programme of trips, visits and guests speakers which further helps students to open their minds and make them question.
Students are not required to hold any particular personal religious beliefs, but they should have a serious academic commitment and an open mind.
Religious Studies Trip to the Churches of Bristol Sat 8 Oct
The Religious Studies & Philosophy Department organised a trip to visit a number of Bristol’s churches and cathedrals on Saturday 8th October.
The itinerary for the day included;
St Mary Redcliffe
John Westley Memorial Chapel
Bristol Anglican Cathedral
Bristol Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral
Cross-questioning
The Religious Studies and Philosophy Department was delighted to host a sixth form seminar with two guest speakers, and lots of cake!
Simon Flint is a parish evangelist attached to St. Michael's Church and the Rev.Jacqueline Clark, the mother of Emily, an A2 Level Religious Studies student, at the School. Both guests braved the cross-questioning of a combined group of year 12 and 13 students on issues as diverse as:
· Why does God allow suffering?
· How do we know Religious Experience isn't delusion?
· Why should anyone read the Bible?
· Are other world religions wrong?
· Is Christianity too male-dominated?
· What does it mean to be a Priest in the modern world?
Everyone involved found the event stimulating and thought-provoking; with lots of humour and real-life examples of the difference faith makes in people's lives.
by Mr A. Trim
Year 9 visit to the North Indian Swaminarayan Mandir and the South Indian Murugan temple in London
The Religious Studies and Philosophy Department has organised what promises to be a fascinating trip for Year 9 to visit two of the country’s largest and most respected Hindu Temples, the North Indian Swaminarayan Mandir and the South Indian Murugan temple on Thursday 19th November. This visit will complement work covered in Year lessons.
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GCSE Buddhism
The course looks at this vast, diverse and fascinating religious and philosophical tradition that stretches back 2,500 years to the Himalayan foothills and the birth of Siddharta Gautama, the Buddha.
Through his efforts, Siddharta gained enlightenment, he came to realise the truth of the way life is. The Buddha’s profound religious experience and life example attracted a following that now numbers tens of millions in countries as far apart as
The course follows the life story of the Buddha and his teachings; it unravels the four noble truths, examines the mechanics of Karma and rebirth, and documents the history of Buddhism and its spread across the globe. Students encounter Thai, Tibetan, Japanese and Western interpretations of the Dhamma and consider meditation, ethics and philosophy as well as talking to guest speakers from within the tradition and experiencing Buddhism first hand during field trips to local monasteries and Viharas.
The course promises to be really enjoyable and academically exciting as well as challenging a lot of previously held perceptions about religions in the East.
