Our Philosophy

The aims stated in the National Criteria drawn up for GCSE Religious Studies (the examination course following within the Theology Department) are as follows:

1. to promote an enquiring, critical and sympathetic approach to the expression of Religion in the contemporary world.

2. to introduce candidates to the challenging and varied nature of religion, and to the ways in which this is reflected in experience.

3. to help candidates to identify and explore questions about the study of religion, especially in its individual and corporate expression.

4. to encourage candidates to reflect on religious responses to moral issues.

5. to enable candidates to recognise and appreciate the contribution of religion in the formulation of belief and behaviour.

At BMS we have been concerned over the last ten years to ensure that the pupils gain an insight into the way many people view the world from a religious perspective. Starting with the Christian viewpoint, we work our way through the major world religions, making an effort throughout to present opinion and belief in a legitimate light. The students themselves do provide their own bias at times and there is no attempt to change peoples' minds unless a broadening of horizons counts as such.

We are also concerned with moral stances for living and consequently address issues which concern us all, often frighten us and always are understood only in part. We have endeavoured to provide a forum for debate presenting information drawn from various sources, which we dissect and analyse.

Our main aim is to inculcate a discerning and pragmatic approach to the subject matter and, hopefully, the students will gain an insight into the ways that other peoples think and behave. We hope that they enjoy their studies and that they see the relevance of what we do to their world. That it is, is axiomatic; perhaps at times it has not been apparent.