Religious Studies in the lower school explores a great number of the major world religions. We introduce the girls to Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. In addition, we investigate the question of the historical person of Jesus verses the Christ of faith and there is a student-led group research project into Judaism and Jewish practices. However, religion is not the sole focus – there is an inquiry into environmental ethics and animal rights which has the capacity to engender fascinating debates. The girls get their first taste of real philosophy with our introduction to philosophy of religion, wherein we discuss some of the classic arguments for and against the existence of God, before moving onto an introduction to ethics and ethical theories set in the context of issues surrounding medical treatments.

With the Religious Studies GCSE the girls examine the beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity and Islam. The examination is thorough and pupils gain a deep understanding of denominational and branch differences and the reasons behind these differences within Christianity and Islam. There is also the opportunity to study different philosophical and ethical arguments and their impact and influence in the modern world. We examine issues arising for relationships and families; differences around attitudes to marriage, divorce, cohabitation, homosexuality, and the roles of men and women. We unpack the philosophical discussions arising from arguments surrounding the existence or nonexistence of God. We explore issues arising from difference concepts of justice and the legitimacy of the use of violence; is there such a thing as a “Just War”?

In the lower school, we have the opportunity to visit a functioning Thai Buddhist monastery in the heart of Wimbledon. Experiencing both the beauty of the architecture and symbolic interior decorations but also having the privilege to discover the life and work of Buddhist monks. The Sixth Form have the opportunity to go with the Religious Studies department on a trip to Krakow to visit the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps; a moving and valuable experience. Sixth Formers also have the option of attending conferences which deal with hotly debated topics surrounding ethical, epistemological and ontological issues in a formal academic setting held in London. The department also engages with the Beacon sessions throughout the year offering debates on economic justice, the origins of Christmas and contentious issues surrounding the ownership of the Holy sites in Jerusalem.