Introduction.

Religious Studies has been a long established subject at the Derby High School and it is the aim of this department to continue to develop respect for religious beliefs and moral values and enable pupils to develop and understanding of other races, cultures and religions. In this way they may learn respect for themselves and others, regardless of race, gender or creed.

An essential part of Religious Studies is for young people to examine the religious standpoint of ethnic groups which may well form part of their local community. Furthermore, because of the wide coverage of current affairs in the media, pupils are bound to be confronted with the problems which arise as a result of the settlement of people from other cultures in their own country. Many communities have to come to terms with these issues and problems, many of which have an important religious element. The appreciation of life’s experiences is implicit in religion and enables pupils to relate the experiences and concerns of the religious believer to their own lives, without seeking a religious commitment from the child.

It is hoped that a study of the major World Religions will help pupils consider the relevant issues in a serious and constructive way and thereby gain as broad an education as possible.
   Children should be able to learn about and from religion in a positive and meaningful way.

The contribution of Religious Studies to the spiritual area of experience.

The department believes that the development of the pupils spiritual awareness is of great importance and strives to achieve this in the following ways.

Self knowledge.
Pupils are encouraged to consider what it means to be a person holding a set of beliefs, attitudes and values, and how these beliefs may affect their behaviour.

Understanding of others.
Pupils explore what it means to belong to a faith community and what ideas and values communities hold.

Curiosity.
Pupils are encouraged to reflect on human experience and the meaning and purpose of life in order to help them in their own personal search for a code to live by. Questions of ultimate value and significance are explored, such as; the origin of the universe, the existence of God, the existence of evil, the sacredness of life.

Imagination, insight and intuition.
Pupils are encouraged through a variety of teaching methods, to use their imagination to develop insight and intuition ads they study various religious cultures and traditions, and explor4e current ethical dilemmas. They are also encouraged to learn from religion.

Reflection and contemplation.
Pupils are encouraged to appreciate silence and the use of meditation through the teaching about prayer in various faith communities. By focusing on symbols eg cross, pupils learn the significance of reflection and contemplation. They are also encouraged to appreciate the use of music in devotion.