Religious Studies Department

The Religious Studies Department at Nonsuch is a well-established and rapidly growing department. Currently it consists of three full-time subject specialists. Religious Studies at Nonsuch is multi-faith in focus, in line with legal requirements, and our schemes of work are based on the Sutton Agreed Syllabus. There is an emphasis on active learning where students are encouraged to investigate new ideas and information; lively debates and discussions help students to appreciate a variety of views on a given subject. The subject is well received by all students who are motivated and challenged by the subject matter.

Religious Studies is taught throughout the school. At Key Stage 3 students examine the major world religions through a combination of systematic and thematic study. They are also given an opportunity to consider significant moral and philosophical issues. All students follow a short course GCSE in Religious Studies and those who wish may opt to do a full course GCSE (following the Edexcel specifications). At Key Stage 5 all students follow some lessons of Religious Studies as part of the Critical Thinking programme. At A level Religious Studies (Edexcel) is a popular choice, with the options studied being Philosophy of Religion and Ethics.

In addition to studying within the classroom we aim to offer enrichment activities when possible, both in school and off-site. Last year, for example, all year 8 students visited Bhaktivedanta Manor near Watford in order to further their study of Hinduism, while Year 9 students benefitted from a visit to the school of a Holocaust survivor. The department also oversees the running of two school societies, Christian Union, a very active and well-supported student organisation, and the sixth form Philosophy Society.