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Religious Studies and Philosophy
SCIENCE AND RELIGION DAY 2019
On one Friday in May, all of St Peter’s Third Form pupils were out of their regular lessons, to explore the connections, similarities and differences between science and religion.
Activities on the day included talks and interactive sessions from ‘God and The Big Bang’ who deliver captivating and stimulating talks dealing with the interaction between science and faith. We were treated to flaming bubbles, fossils and wrestled with the morality of salmon fishing with the use of M&Ms.
At the close of the day’s activities there was the chance to ask questions to the panel, which produced some interesting discussion about how many people think that science and religion do not have to be mutually exclusive.
Mr Christian Bembridge, Head of Religious Studies at St Peter’s, said “As a school that takes a holistic approach to education, it’s really important that we embrace synoptic approaches to our studies. It’s crucial that we listen to each other as interdisciplinary learning can bring so much in understanding our values and to the way we view ourselves and the world around us.”
BBC Radio 4 were in attendance, recording pupils for a new short series on science and religion.
RELIGION AND BUDDHISM TRIP 2019
A Trip to the Madhyamaka Kadampa Meditation Centre in Gillygate, York
Twenty-five per cent of pupils’ GCSE in Religious Studies involves the study Buddhism, and in order to complement their studies of Buddhist Practices, the Fourth Form walked down to the new Buddhist Meditation Centre in Gillygate. Several schools (including us) have visited the centre in Pocklington but we were the very first to visit their new central location.
Pupils had a short tour of the meditation rooms and then after hearing some Buddhist Samatha and Vipassana methods of meditation they had the chance to ask some pertinent questions about key Buddhist beliefs too.
SIXTH FORM PHILOSOPHY CONFERENCE 2018
St Peter’s School welcomed Sixth Form pupils from across York to listen to philosopher Dr Peter Vardy at the Sixth Form Philosophy Conference.
The conference engaged with the Sixth Formers over some thought provoking questions, discussing whether God is omniscient, what we mean when we say ‘God’ and whether God even exists at all?
In addition to discussing these large philosophical and theological issues, the conference gave the Sixth Formers a chance to hone their skills for academic study. As part of studying at A Level pupils have to develop persuasive arguments. Today’s event gave the pupils the chance to practise these important disciplines through practical discussions and real-world examples.
Christian Bembridge, Head of Religious Studies and Philosophy at St Peter’s, said: “The conference enabled pupils to not only consolidate some of their learning in the classroom, but focus on how to write well-reasoned arguments that lead to valid conclusions. A skill that is not only vital for their examination in Theology and Philosophy, but advantageous in all walks of life. The day proved to be a good opportunity for students to ask and raise their own philosophical questions with one of the leading philosophers in this field, Dr Peter Vardy. Many of his books are in the St Peter’s Library”
Mr Christien Bembridge
VOLUNTEERING WEEK 2019
Work at The Glen Continues
Following on from the successful work last year, our Fifth Form pupils have returned to The Glen Respite Care Home to add a touch of colour to the premises.
The work is part of an annual volunteering initiative where our pupils spend a week working in the local community.
The week is designed to provide the pupils with valuable working experience, as well as building an understanding of wider issues and contributing to the local community.
The pupils spent their time tidying, sawing, drilling and painting murals and renovating. To top it all they built an ice cream van and virtual beach so that the children can enjoy a variety of imaginative experiences and play within the gardens.
Mr Bembridge who helped to organise the week praised the team for their hard-work and their resourcefulness. He said; “Pupils were creative with their suggestions and found work that needed to be done rather than having to ask, it was a privilege to work with such a kind and dedicated team of St Peter’s pupils.”
Mr Christien Bembridge
