North London Collegiate School

Introduction

Adopting no one particular religious or philosophical stance we want all our students to be well informed. Nurturing passionate and independent study is at the heart of what we do through lively discussion and debate coupled with academic rigour and an appreciation of scholarship. Is the problem of evil the “rock of atheism” (Hume)? Is it true that “Science without Religion is lame; Religion without Science is blind” (Einstein)? Am I “a thinking thing” (Descartes) or a “ghost in a machine” (Ryle)?

WHAT THE DEPARTMENT DOES
Study of such a diverse subject is supported by trips to places of religious interest both at home and abroad including a 10-day study tour to Israel. Wider interest in the subject is encouraged in the Senior and Junior Philosophy societies and recent speakers have included Dr Stephen Law and Michael Palmer. We offer a range of Religious Studies courses at GCSE and A Level and Philosophy for IB. Enthusiasm for the innate value of studying Religion and Philosophy in their widest senses has meant large numbers of girls have gone on to read Theology, Philosophy or PPE at the top universities.