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    • Curriculum

    RS (Ethics, Philosophy and Religion)

    Why Study RS at JKHS?

    Ethics, Philosophy and the study of Religion at John Kyrle High School are about much more than learning facts — they’re about exploring life’s biggest questions. Students develop critical thinking, empathy, and the ability to debate complex issues with respect and clarity. These skills are highly valued by universities and employers alike.

    Our Curriculum

    Intent
    We aim to inspire curiosity about the world’s beliefs and values, helping students to form their own reasoned viewpoints while respecting those of others.

    Implementation

    • Ethics: Applied ethics (e.g. medical ethics, sexual ethics), ethical theories, deeper questions about moral language, and contemporary moral issues.

    • Philosophy: Arguments for and against the existence of God, the problem of evil, religious experience, and the nature of the soul.

    • Judaism: Beliefs, practices, festivals, and the impact of Jewish thought on wider society.

    Impact
    Students leave RS with the ability to think independently, argue persuasively, and engage with diverse perspectives — skills that prepare them for higher education and life beyond school.

    Topics studied

     

    Topics studied:

    Ethics

    Philosophy

    Judaism

    Different ways of approaching ethics

    Utilitarianism

    Aquinas and Finnis’ Natural Law

    Situation Ethics

    Free will and determinism

    Meta Ethics

    Practical Ethics: Capital Punishment, Immigration, Sexual Ethics, War

    Medical Ethics: Abortion, Euthanasia

    Different responses to the God question

    Modern Atheism

    Inductive arguments: Cosmological and Teleological

    Deductive arguments: Ontological

    The problem of evil

    Religious and mystical experiences

    Religious Language

    Psychological responses to religious belief

    Origins of Judaism: Abraham and Moses

    Jewish concepts of the divine

    The Torah and Talmud

    Holocaust Theology

    Rules for living: Mitzvot

    Jewish Ethics: Embryo research

    Jewish family life and religious identity

    20th century developments and secularisation

    Beyond the Classroom

    Our students don’t just learn in the classroom — they experience RS in action through:

    • Trips to places of worship, cultural centres, and cities such as London, Manchester, and Amsterdam.

    • Guest speakers from faith communities and universities.

    • Clubs and debates that encourage lively discussion on topical issues.

    Our teaching team are passionate about the subject. Please do come and talk with any of us about the course:

    • Miss Helen Mather

    • Mr Nick Wardale – Subject Leader

    • Mr Kristian Phillips – Senior Leader

    Student Voice

    “RS has helped me see the world differently. I’ve learned to listen, question, and think for myself.” – Year 12 student

    “This has become my favourite subject – it’s fascinating that people have been debating these issues for thousands of years!” – Year 12 student

    For Parents

    Subject specification: AS and A Level Religious Studies | Eduqas
    Supporting at Home: Encourage discussion of current ethical issues, watch documentaries together, or explore podcasts on philosophy and religion.
    Contact: For more information, please email rs@jkhs.org.uk.

    Where Might RS Take You?

    RS is a respected academic subject that opens doors to a wide range of careers. Our alumni have gone on to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), Law, Medicine, Education, and Journalism at top universities — including Oxford and Cambridge.

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