Philosophy, Religion & Society
For the Philosophy, Religion & Society department, the diversity of our complex world, with its wide array of belief systems and worldviews, is something to be celebrated and explored.
As boys develop an appreciation of that world, they learn to engage critically with it, not taking ideas for granted, and to navigate it with empathy.
Pupils are encouraged to reflect carefully on their own beliefs in relation to those studied. The ancient maxim, ‘know thyself’, is a guiding principle for how we expect boys to engage with studies.
When teaching a topic, we encourage the view that there may be no one correct answer – which does not, of course, mean that there are no incorrect answers.
In the Lower School, we introduce boys to key concepts – looking at the nature of philosophical enquiry, the analysis of argument and critical thinking skills – and to ways of engaging with major societal issues, so they can better understand the world around them.
This approach is developed at GCSE level, with boys shown how to engage more deeply with arguments, to research independently and to express themselves through extended written pieces.
In the Sixth Form, pupils gain an understanding of major issues in philosophy, while university-style seminar sessions give them the opportunity to engage independently with complex ideas and to communicate their own understanding clearly and persuasively to their peers.
There are lunchtime societies for specific faiths – Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism – while our philosophy society provides a forum for exploring extra-curricular philosophical ideas.
Head of Philosophy, Religion and Society: Mr Jack Robertson
Jack Robertson qualified as a teacher in 2010 after completing a bachelors degree in Philosophy at the University of Nottingham. He joined Queen Elizabeth’s School in 2015 as Head of Philosophy, Religion & Society.
Mr Robertson believes that Philosophy, Religion and Society provides students with a unique opportunity to engage critically and compassionately with diverse view points: “The vast majority of the world’s population expresses religious belief, and it is important for young people to understand how this manifests in day-to-day life. In broadening and deepening students knowledge of other people’s faiths and world-views, I hope students can better empathise with those who may at first glance have radically different perspectives, and see such differences as opportunities for learning and celebration rather than division.”
“My background is in philosophy, and at Queen Elizabeth’s School students from Year 7 up engage with the content of the subject whilst building facility with essential intellectual skills such as the analysis, evaluation and construction of arguments. Whether exploring conceptual analysis through metaethics, or logic through philosophy of religion, students enjoy the rigour and challenges of philosophy.”
Mr Robertson assists the running of several religious societies at the school, as well as a a philosophy society. He is also active in coaching the Mock Trial teams which have qualified for National and International competitions.
Lower School pupil: enjoying thinking!
What Vaibhav Gaddi enjoys about his Philosophy, Religion & Society studies is the opportunity to explore the idea that “society’s norms are the accumulation of human subconscious belief. I have a desire to gain more knowledge in order to debunk or give people an understanding of their ideas which seem so fundamentally correct [to them].”
Vaibhav gives credit to Head of PRS Jack Robertson for helping to broaden his worldview and develop his phrasing and presentation skills. “He has been a very fundamental teacher; I would like to thank him for his knowledgeable input, enjoyable teaching style and extensive, interactive task-setting.”
He enjoys most academic subjects, along with sports and music. “RS is one of many subjects I enjoy studying so it is among viable options in terms of taking it further.” He has no fixed career aspirations at this stage and is concentrating on exploring the subjects which interest him, including the study of the cyclic nature of society: “I enjoy thinking!”
Old Elizabethans: Tackling global poverty
Bilal Harry Khan left QE to take up a place to read Theology at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. After his degree, he initially headed back to home turf, becoming Youth Engagement Officer at Barnet’s Voluntary Service Council, where he rapidly gained a track record for initiating and promoting volunteering opportunities for young people.
Bilal (OE 2003-2010) then took up a post as a speaker and facilitator for the WE Movement – an organisation that recruits young people and schools on both sides of the Atlantic into its work helping communities worldwide lift themselves out of poverty. He has since been appointed to manage a large team of speakers and facilitators responsible for delivering WE programmes across the UK.
Upper School pupil: The freedom to be curious
Saifullah Shah enjoys studying Philosophy because of its academically rigorous and thought-provoking nature. “We are always encouraged to expand our learning beyond the syllabus, and there is a large emphasis placed on the development of our philosophical curiosity.” He credits his “meticulous and dedicated” teachers with helping him understand the areas in which he needs to improve and how to go about achieving this.
Saifullah has represented the School in 16 competitions – in five of them appearing for the UK internationally – and has become an accomplished orator. “I believe my study of Philosophy has been of significant help in this regard.”
He has received an offer to read Law at Downing College, Cambridge, and plans to take modules in Jurisprudence and Moral & Political Philosophy. His immediate aspiration is to become a barrister; longer-term ambitions include attaining the rank of Supreme Court Justice.
