Religious Studies

The Religious Studies department at Kent College takes a lively, innovative approach to the subject. We are committed to the school’s Christian foundation whilst also recognising the need for religious tolerance, and so ensuring that our students receive a diverse Religious Studies curriculum.

Years 7 & 8

We aim to provide students with a window to the world around them. Students explore the human race and its beliefs, as well as studying the great world religions and their cultures. In doing so, students develop a greater understanding of the term 'religion' in everyday life and a tolerance of others around us. As well as the education of religious studies, we aim to encourage students to interact with people without fear or prejudice.

Activities in the classroom are varied and, as a department, we endeavour to provide a wide range of teaching styles and broad range of learning experiences to meet the individual needs of the students. We use drama, visiting speakers, presentations and research in addition to making full use of the school's ICT facilities

Topics studied include:

• Year 7 - Ultimate Questions, Jesse Tree Project, Who is Jesus and Sikhism.
• Year 8 - Aspects of Judaism, Christianity in Britain, Methodism and Eastern Traditions
• Year 9 - Aspects of Islam, Religion & Science and students begin to study the GCSE Short Course specification, Philosophy and Ethics.

GCSE Religious Studies

(Years 9, 10 & 11) – All students undertake a comprehensive programme which allows them to study to be entered for Full Course Religious Studies at GCSE level. The course caters for students of all abilities and all faiths. It is a lively course for students with an enquiring mind who enjoy debate and the exploration of different viewpoints.

Philosophy & Ethics

Topics include:

• Belief about deity
• Religious and Spiritual Experience
• End of Life
• Human Relationships
• Medical Ethics
• Poverty & Wealth
• Good & Evil
• Revelation
• Religion & Science
• Peace & Justice
• Equality
• Media

AS/A2 level Religious Studies

A level Religious Studies is designed to offer an academic approach to the study of Philosophy and Ethics. Students will have the opportunity to study arguments for the existence of God, ethical language, medical, sexual and environmental ethics.

Topics include:

• Utilitarianism
• Religion and Science
• Arguments for the existence of God
• The problem with evil

Many students go on to study Theology, Philosophy or Religious Studies at University