Featured Student: Christopher Jones

I’ve taken both RS and Philosophy AS levels and am carrying both subjects on to A2, having spent the last year devouring material in each area we covered. The staff not only make sure that all the relevant material is covered for the courses, but also suggest all number of ways and resources we can investigate to further the knowledge of those interested. I’ve learnt a lot, but have also heard a great many other opinions on everything covered in class that have made me reassess my views on religious or philosophical issues, such as the roles of science and reason in worship and the justification for people’s belief in ideas.

Our year’s RS GCSE results were a real confidence boost for both of the sets that took the course, and the number of A and A* grades went to show how competent we all are and how well the teachers prepared us for the exams. The AS course has not only pushed me to research all kinds of areas, from popular science to ancient Buddhist scripture, but also to produce written work that I can look back on with pride. The class is incredibly friendly and will kick into debate at any moment, most of which stays relevant to the topic at hand, and makes every lesson something to look forward to. I’m hoping to study Theology at university, and am certain that the RS department has played a great role in improving the skills I’ll need for further education within the subject.

Chris Jones, 2003

Chris headed off to Cambridge in the Michaelmas Term of 2003 and having picked up his scholar's robe at the end of his Fresher's year went on to graduate top of tripos, or first in his year, in Theology. He is now reading for his DPhil in Oxford, studying Buddhist Philosophy.