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Philosophy, Religion & Ethics
Getting to know... Mrs Woolner, Head of PRE
1. Who would play you in the film of your life?
Drew Barrymore.
2. What is your most embarrassing teacher moment?
A colleague had brought her new baby into school and I was looking for her in the subject’s department, so I burst into a friend’s lesson saying ‘have you seen the baby?!’ I was met with silent, awkward looking faces, only to realise that the headmaster was sitting behind the door doing a lesson observation. Oops!
3. Favourite thing about NHEHS so far?
The girls.
4. What would be your last meal?
Medium rare steak, peppercorn sauce, watercress salad and French fries. (Or maybe just a good curry).
5. Which three people would you want to be stuck in a lift with?
Are we including dead people? If so: Jesus, and my paternal grandparents. If not, Prince Harry, Kate Middleton and Graham Norton. Probably should have said my husband…. Oh well!
6. How would you describe yourself in three words?
Enthusiastic, talkative and opiniated.
Year 12 and 13 Lectures
In February, Year 12 and 13 Philosophy and Ethics students attended the Candle Conference’s lectures in Central London to help them gather more useful knowledge for the new A Level course.
Founded by Dr Peter Vardy, a famous British theologian, the lectures were divided into 5 sessions focusing on: Christianity - Love & the Law; Agape - Love & Ethics; Faith & Reason; a debate on the justification of murder; and an essay question on natural theology.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the lectures was the use of large group discussions and debates, allowing us to interact and share opinions with students from other schools. Alongside this, we were able to further develop the skills necessary to form and structure solid arguments which we should be working towards. It gave us a greater understanding of the ways in which a high-achieving argument should be formulated and solidified within our essays.
Ruth Stainer, Year 12
Book Recommendation Year 10 visit the Jewish Museum and a synagogue
On 22nd February, the Year 10 RS students made their way into town to visit the Jewish History Museum. When we arrived, we started off with a brief overview of the day, and were then split into groups as we explored the museum. We had a variety of activities, such as looking into the foundation of Judaism, the key stories from the Torah as well as exploring the museum. This led us up to lunchtime, where we had a vegetarian lunch to accommodate the Kosher Laws of Judaism.
After lunch, a member of the museum gave us a practical talk on Shabbat and other Jewish festivals. This included the significance of each festival, sacred objects used in each practice, and the different food prepared for each celebration. We were given some Manna bread as an example of this. Then, we continued our day by getting on the London Underground and going to Marble Arch to visit an Orthodox synagogue. We met the Chief Rabbi, who talked to us about the structure of the synagogue, how it’s used for prayer, and even read out a section of the Torah for us. It was extremely useful trip for us as it gave us a better insight into the beginnings and practices of Judaism.
