The Philosophy, Religion and Ethics Department
At Presdales, the Department’s particular interest in Philosophy, Religion and Ethics is about a development of an open-ended, ‘thinking’ approach to spiritual, philosophical and ethical issues.
Our Vision
Studying Philosophy, Religion and Ethics at Presdales will provide students with a rich curriculum which will broaden their understanding of different faiths, cultures, mindset and philosophies which relate to the real world. This understanding will help students to reflect on and respond to issues beyond the classroom, that they may experience personally or may observe in wider society.
We nurture their natural curiosity about life by giving them the opportunity to ask Big Questions, and time to reflect on a range of responses from both religious and non-religious perspectives. We inspire them to be creative in their responses to these challenging and significant topics. Students will hone their critical thinking and evaluative skills, which will in turn raise their levels of achievement across the curriculum.
When students have reached the end of their Presdales Philosophy, Religion and Ethics journey, they will have a sense of wonder of this diverse and beautiful world, an appreciation of others, a sense of academic achievement, and the ability to consider a rich tapestry of worldviews.
Our Aim
- For students to have a broad understanding of worldviews (including the six major world faiths, and non-religious views such as atheism and humanism)
- To enable students to develop critical thinking skills in order to evaluate different arguments and viewpoints on philosophical and ethical issues
- To ensure that all students study a variety of religions and worldviews up to Key Stage 4, and that they have the opportunity to achieve their potential in this subject
- To enable students to reflect on and articulate their own views on the big philosophical questions, as well as consider those of others
- To nurture students so that they have a sense of awe and wonder, an appreciation of those seemingly different to them, and a sense of academic achievement
- To help students use discussion in order to learn and explain their ideas and viewpoints clearly
- To promote students to be empathetic, and socially aware and responsible citizens, in order to address prejudice and discrimination where they may encounter it
Year 7 Curriculum
In Year 7 students begin with a study of symbolism, exploring the nature of religious knowledge and the kinds of language and behaviour used to express it. The idea is to develop a toolkit for Philosophy, Religion and Ethics. The year begins with a study of various examples of symbolism, including object, stories and ritual. There is a focus on symbolic stories, including fable, parable and myth, drawing on the rich literary traditions of Sikhism, Judaism and Hinduism.
Year 8 Curriculum
The Year 8 curriculum is being developed to encourage students to reflect on ways in which we can learn from the religions that we study. Each of the broad areas is studied from a different religious perspective, which will include the opportunity for students to explore the similarities and differences between religious and non-religious responses to areas of life. We look at what Islam teaches about how to treat each other, and what Judaism teaches about nature and our place in creation. Students will develop skills of critical and creative thinking and the ability to appreciate other people’s views in addition to communicating their own.
Year 9 Curriculum
In Year 9 pupils begin the EDUQAS GCSE short course, which will be examined at the end of Y10. The course aims to enable candidates to investigate ways in which religious beliefs and values are relevant to specified moral issues and behaviour. In Year 9, students will learn the key beliefs and teachings of both Buddhism and Christianity, which will stand them in good stead for Year 10 when they will apply these worldviews to philosophical and ethical issues.
