Teacher of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics

THE RELIGION, PHILOSOPHY & ETHICS DEPARTMENT

The Department currently has four full-time specialists. We follow a programme broadly based on non-statutory guidance for the subject but developed with the specific needs in mind of St Helen’s students, who come from a variety of religious and non-religious backgrounds. Academic standards are high, and results are excellent. Colleagues use a range of teaching methods, with an emphasis on encouraging reflection, discussion, and valuation of different philosophical and ethical approaches to religious issues.

Currently, in Years 7, 8 & 9 (Middle School), students begin with a study of creation stories from around the world, their meanings, and related lifestyles. They then study the lives of ‘founders’ and ‘messengers’ from several major religions before beginning a study of belief and practice in Judaism and Islam. 

For GCSE, a large number of girls in Years 10 & 11 (Upper School) opt for GCSE (AQA) Religious Studies in Christianity and Hinduism (Paper 1) and a variety of philosophical and ethical themes (Paper 2). At St Helen’s we cover the following themes: Religion and Life, Existence of God, Relationships and Human Rights. There are three groups in each year with 15-20 girls in each group.

Sixth Form students who choose Religious Studies for (OCR) AS and A2 study Philosophy of Religion, Religious Ethics and Development in Christian Thought. Typically, 5-10 girls will study this course in Years 12 & 13. In addition, the department offers Philosophy A level (AQA), focusing on Epistemology and Moral Philosophy in YR12. In YR13, the students study Metaphysics of the Mind and Metaphysics of God. We currently have 17 girls studying Philosophy A level.

THE PERSON

It is essential for the successful candidate to have the following qualifications,

experience, and personal attributes:

• A good honours degree in a relevant or associated subject.  
• A love of teaching and learning and a commitment to further professional development 
• Be able to work well with others and develop the curriculum through collaborative planning. 
• Excellent classroom practice with experience of teaching RPE across the secondary age range including KS5.
• Detailed understanding of current developments in the secondary curriculum and assessment 
• Be able to lead learning in their classroom, develop each child and demonstrable passion for the subject. 

It is desirable for the successful candidate to have the following qualifications,

experience, and personal attributes:

• A teaching qualification such as PGCE or equivalent
• Ability to teach AQA A Level Philosophy
• Evidence of further professional development
• Knowledge and experience of how technology can be used to support learning.