Home /  Curriculum / Religious Studies

Religious Studies

Religious Studies at Caterham School is an exciting and intellectually stimulating subject that covers diverse theological, philosophical, ethical, psychological, spiritual, historical and social questions.

Religious Studies is an academic discipline that engages pupils in a challenging and complex course, studying moral and spiritual development and fostering an understanding and respect for Christianity and other world religions.

The ultimate aim is that students learn to question and think for themselves.

In the First Year (Year 7) explores the major world religions.
In the Second Year (Year 8) study focuses on the life of Jesus.
In the Third Year (Year 9) students are introduces to ultimate philosophical questions.
In the Fourth and Fifth Years (Years 10 and 11) GCSE Religious Studies is available as an examination option exploring Philosophy and Ethics.
In the Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) the Religious Studies Advanced Level GCE is available in Philosophy and Ethics.

Biographies

Rick Mearkle, B.A. (Ashland University, Ohio, USA), M.Div. and D. Min. (The Chicago Theological Seminary, Illinois, USA)

The Revd. Dr. Rick Mearkle joined the school in 2000 as the Head of the RS Department and the Chaplain. He is a minister of the United Reformed Church. He was ordained in 1980 and has served churches in Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania in the USA and Maidstone, Kent.

Hilary Trehane, B.A. (Sheffield), PGCE (Cambridge) Examinations Officer

Miss Hilary Trehane joined Caterham School in 1995 from Eothen School. She is the GCSE Examination Officer. She has experience as Head of Department at Chauncy School, Ware, Hertfordshire and at Eothen School, Caterham.

Jan Whyatt, B.A. (Manchester), PGCE (Roehampton Institute), M.A. (Heythrope College, University of London)

Mr. Jan Whyatt joined Caterham School in 2003 with 11 years of experience teaching at Trinity School, Croydon and one year at Hampton School.

Ms Tracy Kirnig MA Deputy Head

A graduate of King's College London. Previously Assistant Head at Kelly College, Tavistock.