Philosophy, Religion and Ethics
Philosophy, Religion and Ethics at Northwood College for Girls seeks to reflect the cultural, social and religious backgrounds of the people in our community and enable each student to come to a more developed understanding of their own identity. Moreover, it is important in enabling dialogue with members of different faith communities and those who consider themselves secular humanists, atheists, and agnostics.
The subject aims to address ultimate questions (concerning the nature of God, the human condition, and problems in ethics) which form the basis of religious understanding. Students will look at how religious conviction, or lack thereof, might affect the individual, social, and moral values of members of different communities in modern Britain.
During their exploration of philosophy and ethics, students will take in the perspectives of the six major world faiths; namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as having opportunities to investigate the beliefs of religions which are represented in the local community, such as Jainism, Zoroastrianism and Humanism.
Thinking skills and creativity play an important role in the delivery of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics to ensure that girls can develop informed opinions about different life situations; to be able to empathise with opinions which differ from their own; and to develop skills in citizenship and thereby be equipped to contribute to the world in which they live. Our Philosophy, Religion and Ethics teaching staff are highly experienced subject specialists and have accredited training in Philosophy for Children (P4C), and membership to professional bodies such as the ISRSA and NATRE.
KS3 CURRICULUM
Year 7: An Introduction to Philosophy, Religion and Ethics: What Does it Mean to be Religious? Who are the important Women in Religion? Who am I part 1: Questions of the Self? What rules do we need to live peacefully?
Year 8: – A Deep Dive into Modern Moral Issues: Poverty and Wealth, the Climate Crisis, Issues of Equality and Diversity, Who am I part 2: Questions of Community?
Year 9: – Philosophy of Religion, Ethics in 21st Century Britain, The Holocaust and other genocides, Questions of Faith and Science, and a research project on the Philosopher Queens.
KS4 CURRICULUM
Girls who choose to take the subject at GCSE in Year 10 and 11 follow the AQA Religious Studies A specification (8062). Topics include: the study of the beliefs, teachings and practices of Islam and Christianity; the existence of God and Revelation; Relationships and Families; Religion, Crime and Punishment; Human Rights and Social Justice.
KS5 CURRICULUM
Girls who choose to take the subject at A Level in Year 12 and 13 follow the OCR Religious Studies – H573 specification, with a focus on Philosophy of Religion, Religious Ethics and Developments in Christian Thoughts.
Topics include: ancient philosophical influences; the nature of the soul, mind and body; arguments about the existence or non-existence of God; the nature and impact of religious experience; the challenge for religious belief of the problem of evil; ideas about the nature of God; issues in religious language; normative ethical theories; the application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance; ethical language and thought; debates surrounding the significant idea of conscience; sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious beliefs; religious beliefs, values and teachings, their interconnections and how they vary historically and in the contemporary world; sources of religious wisdom and authority; practices which shape and express religious identity, and how these vary within a tradition; significant social and historical developments in theology and religious thought; key themes related to the relationship between religion and society.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND VISITS
There are many extracurricular visits, including visits to Bhakti Vedanta Manor and Northwood Orthodox Synagogue Holocaust Memorial Day. Girls are also given the opportunity to attend conferences relating to their GCSE and A Level examination such as those organised by Julie Arliss and Dr Peter Vardy of Candle Conferences.
The department organises an annual Philosothon – an inter-school debating and philosophy competition for Years 10, 11 and 12. In Years 7 and 8 students will enter the NATRE Spirited Arts competition.
We also provide drop in surgeries for KS4 and KS5 students to help prepare them for their forthcoming examinations.