The landscape of divinity and religious studies has undergone a transformative shift, both nationally and here at Tonbridge.
Gone are the days when boys traced St Paul’s missionary journeys in a worn biblical atlas and memorised gospel passages. Today, this subject cultivates critical thinking, delving into profound questions of meaning and value that philosophers and theologians have grappled with for centuries. It not only provides robust intellectual training but also prompts boys to reflect on themselves and the intricacies of the world around them.
Religious studies is a core component of the Novi curriculum, covering two main areas: an exploration of philosophical and theological questions and an introduction to ethical thinking. Throughout the academic year, boys engage with inquiries like ‘What defines a person?’ and ‘Can terrorism ever be justified?’ Open-ended questions spark classroom debates and form the basis for written assignments, contributing significantly to their overall intellectual development.
At IGCSE boys can choose religious studies as an option, following Edexcel’s IGCSE in religious studies, which encompasses philosophy and ethics. This option has gained popularity, addressing issues from medical ethics to the age-old problem of evil. Notably, the majority of boys have achieved top grades in recent years.
In the Sixth Form many opt for the Edexcel A Level in religious studies: theology and philosophy. The course delves into significant questions in both disciplines, covering ethical theory, faith and reason, and a critical examination of the life of Jesus through the New Testament paper. Philosophy of religion in the Upper Sixth involves spirited debates on topics ranging from religious language to the post-modern challenge to religion, scrutinizing the ideas of various philosophers and contemporary scholars.
A distinctive feature of the Department is the creation of our own textbooks and workbooks for all years, underlining our commitment to providing a tailored and enriching educational experience.
Above all we hope that boys will enjoy their explorations into philosophy and theology and leave Tonbridge with a love of ideas, the ability to marshal and scrutinise arguments and a respect for views different from their own.
