The Religious Studies Department in the Boys' Division is small,
but enthusiastic. The department is well equipped with textbooks,
videos, DVDs, posters and projector, as well as many artefacts. All
year groups are also regularly booked into the IT sites for RS
lessons. Currently, Years 7 and 8 are taught one period per week,
and Year 9 has one lesson per two-week cycle.
The aim of the Religious Studies Department is to enable pupils
to learn both about religions and also
from religions. Pupils study the basic beliefs and
practices of several world faiths and how these affect the
individuals and communities who follow them. It is hoped to foster
pupils' interest in the study of religion and issues arising from
it; such as values, morality and ethics, and the ultimate questions
concerning the purpose and nature of human life. It is also
expected that, in understanding other faiths, pupils may develop
greater sensitivity towards those of a different background to
themselves.
The Year 7 course covers aspects of four world religions. From
the Christian faith we begin with an overview of the Bible and
later consider "What does The Incarnation mean for Christians
today?", and "What does justice mean for Christians?". There is a
seven week study of Hinduism and a basic introduction to Buddhism,
looking primarily at the life of its founder, Siddhattha Gautama.
We also have a general topic entitled "Looking for God" in which we
consider arguments for the existence of God. Finally, from Judaism
we look at the topic of "Patriarchs".
In Year 8, pupils examine four major world faiths; Islam,
Judaism, Sikhism and Christianity. Each faith has seven weeks to
look at the themes of salvation, prayer and worship, holy books and
festivals.
In Year 9, pupils look at Rites of Passage: ceremonies and
traditions associated with birth, coming of age, marriage and
death. This is also from the perspectives of the six world faiths
introduced in Years 7 and 8.
The syllabus at GCSE is that of the OCR examination board,
Specification: Philosophy and Applied Ethics.
Currently we do not offer AS or A Level RS in the Boys'
Division, but those who wish to study beyond GCSE are able to do so
in the Girls' Division of Bolton School.
Head of Department
Mrs C E Fox, BA