Religious Studies at Hilden Grange understands that we live in a broadly Christian country, but all six major living religions are studied as well. We consider that it is important for pupil’s social, moral, spiritual and cultural development to be aware of the traditions and history of religion in this country as well as around the world. This builds tolerance and understanding in many areas of life.
In Year 3 and 4, the Old and New Testament Bible stories are covered, relating the lessons learned from these to everyday circumstances. In today’s increasingly secular society we consider it important that we provide a literary, cultural and historical background to our studies, by looking closely at the Bible, a book that few are familiar with nowadays. This broadens our awareness of the Bible and provides a good basis from which to study and compare each of the six religions during Years 5 and 6; these are Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism and Buddhism. Year 6 are able to visit a Sikh Gurdwara as part of their studies.
In Year 7 and 8 we use the Common Entrance and Scholarship syllabus. This course is now called Theology, Philosophy and Religion. Aspects of the Bible and God’s relationship with the world are discussed and studied, Judaism is studied in Year 7 as this reinforces an understanding of the Bible and prepares candidates for the world religions section of the Common Entrance paper. Pupils visit Bromley Synagogue as part of their studies, and this enables them to appreciate Judaism within a local context. Basics of Philosophy are also discussed and studied, looking at making an argument clear, ethics and other topics as well as well-known philosopher’s lives and their teaching.
