“The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge”. Bertrand Russell
Why Study Religious Studies?
Religious Studies engages with the great questions of meaning, purpose and justice that have intrigued humans in all civilizations; it does so by exploring, critiquing and learning from the diverse religious and philosophical traditions that have emerged in response to these questions. It is believed that through learning about a wide range of perspectives, we can better understand others, hold our own beliefs up to scrutiny and confidently apply those views to the burning issues of our day. GCSE Religious Studies greatly enhances pupils’ ability to think critically about an issue and be able to express an informed point of view both verbally and on paper. The main advantages of GCSE Religious Studies is that it prepares you for life with the tools for thinking critically about the big questions raised by religious and philosophical claims and ethical decision making. It is also excellent preparation for: A Level Social Sciences (Law, Sociology and Psychology), A Level Religious Studies, History and English, jobs that appreciate the skills that GCSE Religious Studies develops, such as medicine, the Police, the Armed Forces and the caring professions.
DEPARTMENT CREDENTIALS
It was recently reported in the national press that RS departments have the least qualified staff in their subject within British education establishments. At Dean Close, the department boasts some strong credentials for teaching Religious Studies and Philosophy and Ethics. We have two degrees in Religious Studies and theology, one honours. Two Religious Studies PCGE holders, one further Theology BA, and an Applied Theology MA. Additionally, we have an MA Philosophy, Politics and Economics Graduate (Oxford). Our areas of expertise include Old Testament theology, New Testament theology, the Philosophy of Religion, World Religions, Feminist Theology and Religious Ethics.
You can imagine how heated our department meetings get!
