Religion and Theology explores the spiritual ideas and moral values that have shaped the major civilisations of the world. Through an exploration of the principal faiths, the boys discover how thinkers through the ages have addressed the great questions of life: what is the world, how did it come into existence and what is my relationship to it? The idea is not to adopt any particular faith perspective but, through study and debate, to engage with these fascinating and fundamental questions that broaden the view and enrich the lives of the individual.
Religion and Theology is compulsory up to Year 9, with many students opting to continue studying to GCSE, A level and beyond. The Lower School curriculum concentrates on the major world religions (Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism in Year 7; Christianity, Judaism and Islam in Year 8). In Year 9 pupils study Conflict in Northern Ireland and in Israel, Religious Art and have an introduction to the Philosophy of Religion. The GCSE course in Years 10 and 11 is on Philosophy and Ethics, while at A level there are modules on Philosophy of Religion, New Testament, Death and the Afterlife.
Classroom study is complemented with a specialist, up-to-date department library, regular trips to subject conferences, excursions to places of worship and art galleries, debates and talks from outside speakers.