Religious and Philosophical Studies (RPS)

Religious and Philosophical Studies at Blundell’s Prep School combines study of World Religions, Philosophy and Ethics and encourages reflection on personal beliefs and values. Key skills of researching, evaluating, reasoning, presenting and debating are nurtured in a syllabus which seeks to broaden knowledge of alternative beliefs and encourage respect for cultural diversity. It also promotes critical thinking skills and prompts the children to challenge their own views on some of the big questions in life, such as: Why are we here? Why be good? And what happens when we die?

As well as exploring the key tenets of Christianity and the Church of England, key figures and sacred texts from across the world religions are investigated, and examined against the context of contemporary secular and political values. The RPS curriculum also incorporates opportunities to respond to topical issues as they arise; from Nursery to Year 6 it will stimulate enquiring minds as it seeks to interpret what it means to be human in the modern world.

Aims of the RPS department

• To encourage a reflective approach to living.
• To give pupils a knowledge and understanding of different world religious beliefs and secular values.
• To encourage original and independent critical thinking skills.
• To encourage pupils to evaluate their own beliefs and values.
• By making relevant cross-curricular links, to promote pupils’ appreciation that RPS is not a standalone subject, but concerns core human values integral to all areas of human life.
• Within their learning, to encourage pupils to think about ways to behave in a socially acceptable manner both individually and as part of a group.

Course Content

Religious and Philosophical Studies is concerned with distinctive ways in which human beings express their experiences and understanding of life.

Pupils will learn about belonging, festivals and celebrations, rules and choices, the life and teachings of Jesus, personal responsibilities and an appreciation of other major world faiths. They will consider the ethical dilemmas to be encountered in our journeys through life, and will be introduced to models of classic philosophical enquiry.