Divinity

Long gone are they days are the days when boys tracked St Paul’s missionary journeys in a dilapidated biblical atlas and then went on to ‘learn’ a gospel. Divinity or Religious Studies has changed. It is flourishing nationally and the same is true at Tonbridge. Today it promotes critical thought and introduces ‘big’ questions of meaning and value which philosophers and theologians have wrestled with for centuries. Not only does this provide an excellent intellectual training but it forces boys to think about themselves and the world around them. Although much of our teaching is rooted in the Christian tradition it is non-confessional in approach and in no way seeks to ‘convert’ or push a particular point of view.

All boys study Divinity in the Novi (3 periods per cycle) and two main areas are covered – an introduction to philosophical and theological questions and an introduction to ethical thinking. Within the course of a year boys will consider questions such as ‘What makes a person?’ and ‘Can terrorism ever be justified?’ Boys are given open-ended questions to debate in class and on paper for prep and this contribute positively to their general intellectual development.

In the Fourth Form compulsory Divinity continues (2 periods per cycle) in which boys are introduced to Buddhism, Judaism, logic, mindfulness and various PSE topics. GCSE Religious Studies is offered as an option and boys studying it follow OCR's course in Philosophy and Ethics. This is proving an increasingly popular choice and covers issues ranging from medical ethics to the problem of evil. In recent years all but a few boys have attained A* or A grades.

Termly Topic Chart to GCSE (DOCX, 14.3 KB)

In the Sixth Form boys may opt for AS and A level Religious Studies. All boys study Ethics which provides and introduction to classic ethical theories (Kant, Natural Law, Utilitarianism etc) and then goes on to apply them to medical ethics in the LVI and social ethics in the UVI. Boys may then opt for New Testament or Buddhism. The New Testament course take a critical and historical look at the passion narrative in Mark in the LVI and tries to piece together what really happened in Jesus’ last week. In the UVI it takes a more general perspective on the historical Jesus. Boys choosing Buddhism look at its development and key concepts in the LVI and variations, such as the mysterious Zen tradition, in the UVI. The course provides an excellent intellectual training which encourages clarity of thought and articulate expression and forms a respected basis for any arts or science degree.

A distinctive feature of the department is that it produces its own textbooks / work books for all years.

Facilities

The department is housed in three well-equipped classrooms, all with digital projectors and books which may be borrowed for enrichment and extension. There is an excellent, up-to-date Theology and Philosophy section in the Smythe Library and boys are encouraged to make good of this.

Staff

The department has four members of staff.

Beyond the Classroom

Pursuits Classes

The department is available for support and advice in Monday and Friday pursuits periods. Some boys ‘pop’ in for help with a prep, others to discuss further ideas they have examined in class.  In the exam season pursuits periods are used to offer extra revision classes.

Extension Classes

The department runs separate Theology and Philosophy extension classes which are open to all members of the Sixth Form. Some use them to support an Oxbridge application whist others attend for interest’s sake alone.

Trips

The department for many years has joined the Classics department on its annual trips to Italy and Greece.