Religious Studies
Aims of the Department
The Religious Studies department aims to create an understanding of religious concepts at a level appropriate to the age of the children being taught, looking at the key areas of beliefs and values, worship and symbols, festivals and celebrations, world religion, origins and founders, sacred texts, mystery and meaning, and people of faith. Some of the key aims of the courses are to:
- Help Students in their search for a meaning and purpose to life
- Create an awareness and respect for the religious side of life
- Discuss some of the basic moral issues in life
- Encourage students to be tolerant and respect others
- Help pupils understand basic religious ideas
- Introduce pupils to other religions and cultures
A diverse and stimulating programme
In Year 3, pupils learn about festivals and celebrations in different religions, inspirational leaders who have made a difference to those less fortunate than themselves, and self worth, whereby pupils reflect on their own thoughts and feelings about social relationships as a means to enhance their own personal spiritual development. During Years 4 and 5, pupils embark on a study of the major world religions, learning about Christianity, Judaism and Islam in Year 4, and Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism in Year 5.
In Year 6 pupils spend the year studying Christianity. In Years 7 and 8 pupils study Old Testament and New Testament texts, and learn the skills needed to evaluate the role of these stories in relation to contemporary issues, which enables pupils to apply knowledge to real life situations. The aim is to build a bridge between the pupils’ experience and the meaning of the story, allowing pupils to relate the feelings of the characters in the stories to the feelings which pupils would have in similar situations. This also allows pupils to discuss moral issues in the modern world.
Experienced and dedicated staff
The Rev Richard Allen was appointed Head of Religious Studies in September 2002. Previously he was Rector of Christ Church, Exmouth. Training at St. John’s College, Nottingham. Prior to ministry he taught PE and Geography so hence his call to Millfield. He is ably supported in the Department by Mr Stuart Coates who is also Head of Boarding.
Rev. Richard Allen - Head of Religious Studies
