Religious Studies

Mr. Seoras Strain - Dean of Study and Teacher of Religious Studies

Ms Esther Mwangi – Teacher of Religious Studies

Religious Studies (R.S.) is a compulsory subject for all Form 2 and Shell pupils. From the Lower Fifth onwards pupils can choose to continue their R.S. studies all the way up to their nal A-level year, at Key Stage 5. is academic year has seen our department grow with the welcome addition of Ms. Esther Mwangi; who has added a new avour to the department and o ered students an exciting new way of exploring the key elements of Sikhism, Buddhism and an introduction to philosophical issues, in the Lower school. I want to thank her for her contribution to the department.

Pupils who opt to take Religious Studies beyond their Shell year will take an inquiring, critical and re ective approach to the study of faith, exploring di erent beliefs, cultures and fundamental questions, with a view to relate these studies to their own values and the wider world. Here at Peponi we use the Edexcel IGCSE R.S. syllabus which comprises of two papers. e rst paper requires learners to explore key themes of faith, philosophy and ethics and answer questions in relation to these issues, drawing upon a religion of their choice.

e second paper sees students become experts on a chosen faith, our emphasis here is on Christianity, where we learn about all elements of the faith from the founder, to festivals to features of a church.

At the top of the school our departing A2 cohort have been an outstanding year group who have developed a healthy level of debate and critical intrigue. e R.S. A-level is a demanding course that requires students to read challenging philosophical and ethical texts, then respond with longer written style responses and also develop cogent arguments of their own. is has seen the quality of conversation elevated in the classroom and led to fantastic pupil outcomes in their written work. We are expecting an outstanding year in terms of results.

For all those still engaged in their school career at Peponi, I would encourage all pupils to sincerely consider taking Religious Studies at IGCSE and A-level as it will develop their ability to construct well-argued, well-informed, balanced and cogent written arguments. R.S. also o ers students the opportunity to re ect on and develop their own values, beliefs and attitudes in the light of what they have learned; meaning that they can go onto contribute e ectively as citizens of our inter-connected world.

I wish to thank all those A-level students leaving us to join university, for the hard work that they have put into their studies, and I wish them well in the next chapter of their learning.