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.
