Religious Studies

Religious Studies plays an important part in the life of the school where we espouse belief in the central truths of the Christian faith based on our Vision and Values statement.

From this we seek to encourage a view of faiths and religions where we understand the ideas and concepts of others, an appreciation of other's points of view, sharing and developing ideas which are our own, seeking to be original thinkers.

Our Aims are to:

1. Develop an appreciation, knowledge and application of the Christian faith into the pupils’ lives.
2. Apply and develop concepts of tolerance, respect decency, good manners, honesty and a consideration for others as seen in the accounts of the Bible.
3. Study three world faiths in the pupils’ time in school.
4. Understand and apply study skills in Religious Studies using visual and written methods.
5. Develop the pupils’ own understanding of why we exist and for what purpose, being able to give clear reasons
6. To help prepare our pupils to live fulfilled, meaningful and purposeful lives in the years ahead.
7. Prepare our pupils to pass Common Entrance and Scholarship exams to Senior Schools

In the Pre-Prep, pupils are introduced through the basics of human life. There are topic studies based on the National Curriculum outlines in Judaism, Sikhism, Islam, places of worship, certain festivals and key events and holiness. Much exploring of this is done in discussion, asking the pupils for their own ideas.

In the Prep school there is an introduction to the key events in the Bible, how the book came to exist and then an exploration of Judaism and Islam and a modern view of how Christianity is viewed. In Upper School (Years 7 and 8) the Common Entrance syllabus is taught, based on the Independent Schools Exam Board’s outline of Old and New Testament topics.

Pinewood is ecumenical in its outlook and accepts children of any faith. We always begin the day with an act of worship, which brings the whole school together as a community. The rhythms of the Christian year, its traditions and values quietly underpin the fabric of life at school. We have a fortnightly Saturday service in Bourton Church, at which a prominent senior school representative will be invited to preach. Parents and friends are welcome to attend what is an important element to our approach to life at Pinewood. The Lady Chapel (adjacent to the Pre-Prep) is available to pupils as a place of calm for quiet, reflection and prayer.

Header image: St James's Church, Bourton

Year 5 Visit to Bristol Synagogue

Religious Studies

Religious Studies plays an important part in the life of the school where we espouse belief in the central truths of the Christian faith based on our Vision and Values statement.

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