Religious Studies and Philosophy

Subject intent

Studying Religious Studies and Philosophy will enable students to go to a Russell Group University with a strong Philosophy and/or Theology Department e.g. Oxford and Cambridge, completing courses in moral and political philosophy, metaphysics, and philosophy of religion and enter careers such as law, politics or journalism. 

Subject links to HSAEL values

Religious Studies and Philosophy takes students out of their comfort zone (and show growth) by providing them constant oral and written feedback and modelling meta-cognitive thinking, therefore ensuring students develop increasingly sophisticated analytical and writing skills and feel confident to revisit and refine their work. 

Religious Studies and Philosophy helps students tackle social injustice (and demonstrate responsibility) by providing opportunities to challenge empty stereotypes attached to different religious and non-religious worldviews and have respectful disagreements on highly sensitive ethical matters. By encouraging a fascination in how different individuals respond to fundamental questions of belief and value, we foster a desire in students to personally contribute to a just, tolerant and diverse society. 

Religious Studies and Philosophy helps promote ambition by engaging in arguments and textual analysis. In their lessons, scholars do not simply learn the history of ideas but are challenged to critically assess the material studied and use the tools provided to build their own personal response.

Religious Studies and Philosophy celebrates diversity (compassion) by exposing students to a range of beliefs, teachings and sources of wisdom and authority. Through their lessons, scholars explore diversity between different religious and non-religious communities and between individuals in the same community. This encourages empathy and compassion. 

Religious Studies and Philosophy helps students develop independence (excellence) by empowering them to understand different interpretations of religious beliefs and practices and build their own personal view so that they are ultimately equipped to understand others’ worldviews and continuously add meaning to their own.

How does the study of Religious Studies and Philosophy link to future careers?

Religious Studies and Philosophy enables students to access careers in a variety of different fields. The analytical and writing skills that Religious Studies and Philosophy provides enables students to pursue a career in law, journalism, politics, media studies.

How does Religious Studies and Philosophy link to the extra-curricular provision at HSAEL?

During CED, we have invited guest speakers and representatives of faith to talk about their lived experience. We also offer an “Ethics club”, where students debate ethical topics.

Parental Rights to Withdraw their Children from Religious Education

Although it is the hope that parents will support the academy in its delivery of this curriculum, parents have the right to request that their child be withdrawn from some or all of the Religious Studies curriculum. 

Before granting any such request it is best practice for the principal to discuss the request with parents and, as appropriate, with the child to ensure that their wishes are understood and to clarify the nature and purpose of the curriculum. Once a discussion has taken place, except in exceptional circumstances, the school will respect the parents’ request to withdraw the child, up to and until three terms before the child turns 16. After that point, if the child wishes to receive religious education rather than be withdrawn, the school should plan to provide the child with ‘catch up’ religious education during one of those terms. 

This process is the same for students with SEND. However, there may be exceptional circumstances where the Principal may want to take a student’s specific needs arising from their SEND into account when making this decision.

If a student is excused from sex education, it is the Academy’s responsibility to ensure that the student receives appropriate, purposeful education during the period of withdrawal. There is no right to withdraw from Relationships Education or Health Education.