Philosophy and Religious Studies

Philosophy and Religious Studies are an essential part in any international education system. PRS provokes challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human. It develops student’s knowledge and understanding of all six major religious traditions and other world views that offer answers to questions such as these. It offers opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development. It enhances pupils’ awareness and understanding of religions and non religious beliefs, teachings, practices and forms of expression, as well as of the influence of religion on individuals, families, communities and cultures.

“We have found PRS students are among the most employable in the workplace because of their skills”

Richard Brown. Chief Executive of the Council for Industry and Higher Education. UK.

Teachers:

Miss Lucie Purves. (Head of Department)
Miss Baldeep Kaur
Mr Crispian Farrow

Aims of PRS:

• PRS challenges students to reflect on, consider, analyse, interpret and evaluate issues of truth, belief, and ethics and to communicate their own responses. PRS students become knowledgeable about how religion impacts upon individuals and societies.
• PRS encourages all students to develop their sense of identity and belonging. It enables them to flourish individually as citizens in a pluralistic society and global community.
• PRS encourages students to be risk takers and to think for themselves. Philosophy encourages students to think critically and look at ideas and opinions from different perspectives.
• PRS has an important role in preparing students for adult life, employment and lifelong learning. It enables students to develop respect for and sensitivity to others in particular those whose faith and beliefs are different to their own.
• PRS teaches topical issues of global importance such as the environment, terrorism and genocide. It teaches students to be principled about social issues such as prejudice and discrimination and learn how people should strive to combat injustice.
• More broadly than questions of religion, PRS aims to encourage students to think and reflect upon ‘ultimate questions’ such as who they are and what their place is in the world. It invites them to critically examine the values of society around them.
• PRS encourages students to be open-minded and balanced in their attitudes. For example, when considering the relationship between religion and science.

‘ Science without religion can be destructive and religion without science can become superstition’. Feibleman 1963

Teaching and Learning:

• The new PRS curriculum that we introduced in 2009 is full of 21st Century learning techniques. Each lesson includes a variety of teaching styles to accommodate students who have different and preferred ways of learning e.g. film making, podcasts, presentations, role play, discussion and debate, inquiry- based learning.
• The PRS teachers are all subject specialists who are committed to teaching engaging, motivating and challenging lessons.
• Students are encouraged to self and peer assess on a regular basis. Students are well informed about assessment rubrics and skills. They are encouraged to reflect on their learning throughout each unit.
• The department have created an inclusive curriculum accessible to all, including students with additional educational needs.

PRS 7-9 Topics. Sha Tin College- August 2010

IGCSE Religious Studies

and develop your critical thinking skills. Edexcel’s IGCSE in Religious Studies is a rigorous and challenging traditional GCSE course, which is open to students of any or no religious tradition.

The course enables you to develop your understanding of religious beliefs, values and traditions. You will consider the influence of religious and non religious beliefs and their responses to ethical issues. You will be investigating and responding to fundamental questions of life raised by religion and human experience including questions about the meaning and purpose of life.