'Teaching challenges students to analyse material and form judgements about the views of a number of philosophers. The teachers' very good use of discussion and high expectations contributed well to students' ability to think independently. In Year 13, students demonstrate their ability to use ethical language.' 'Teaching is good and students learn well.'

Department description: The Religious Education courses offered give an important insight into the implications of religion and the importance of religious harmony and understanding.

In Years 7 and 8, pupils learn about how the religions worship. Topics range from festivals to pilgrimage. Six religions are studied, namely Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Sikhism.

The GCSE in Religious Studies is taught a year early (in Year 9). Boys sit the GCSE at the end of Year 10. There is no coursework. Students learn about contemporary issues, such as abortion, sexism and divorce. It is possible to focus on just one religion for the GCSE.

A Level Religious Studies involves learning about philosophy and ethics. Some of the philosophers studied are Socrates, Descartes and Aquinas. In the AS various issues are debated, such as the existence of God and the connection between religion and morality. The students also investigate issues of applied ethics such as war and peace, euthanasia and genetic engineering. In the A2 we assess, among other topics, the reliability of religious experience, and the arguments for or against the truth of miracles. We continue at A2 to study ethics, looking at issues such as the environment and business ethics. Both AS and A2 are assessed by written exams.