Philosophy and Theology
Philosophy and Theology at Caterham School is an exciting and intellectually stimulating subject that covers diverse theological, philosophical, ethical, psychological, spiritual, historical and social questions. We pursue intellectual rigour while instilling a love of learning and a fascination with a diversity of world views in all our pupils.
Philosophy and Theology lessons create opportunities to consider what it means to be human, and to explore and challenge ideas, both historic and contemporary. Pupils are encouraged to engage in the robust exchange of ideas, subjecting those ideas to scrutiny, exploring systems of belief and developing their own informed and well-justified responses to ultimate questions.
Pupils are challenged to develop a deeper understanding of some of the controversial religious and secular issues faced by the modern world: What does it mean to be good? What is justice? What is the meaning and purpose of human life? Are we here by chance or design? Can we know anything for certain? Why do we suffer? Does God exist? Is there life after death? How and why should we be governed?
The Department aims to:
- Encourage pupils to develop the skills required for critical analysis and sound argument
- Encourage pupils to recognise that world views (religious or otherwise) form a fundamental part of human experience
- Enable each pupil to develop a deeper understanding of themselves as well as empathy with others and appreciation of diversity
- Allow pupils the opportunity to encounter ideas, views, and beliefs different to their own
- Create an environment where the pupil is confident and comfortable communicating their own ideas
- Strive to create an atmosphere of enjoyment and understanding
- Allow each pupil to engage with ethical issues of global significance, including ecological and medical ethics
- Encourage each pupil to develop a philosophical approach to existence, recognising the value of challenging ideas and raising questions
The ultimate aim is that pupils learn to question and think for themselves.
Curriculum
Fourth and Fifth Years: At GCSE we study two papers. The first addresses Christianity and Islam, exploring theological, philosophical and ethical issues within these belief systems including the nature of God, logos, post-mortem existence, sacrament, poverty, religion and community, jihad and Sunni and Shi’a distinctions. The second paper addresses four themes: religion and life, the existence of God, crime and punishment, and human rights and social justice. The AQA GCSE Syllabus A delivers an exciting exploration of how and why religion has had such a massive impact on our world and our behaviour. Pupils have the unique opportunity to consider and reflect upon how belief has shaped people’s positions on issues such as abortion, euthanasia and relationships. They will have the chance to get involved in ethical conversations taking place in modern medicine, as well as human rights, environmental ethics, the role of gender in religion and the role of personal conscience in these matters. Our skills-based approach encourages pupils to develop a wide range of skills which are wholly transferable: persuasive skills, for example, as pupils are required to defend and discredit views which may not reflect their own; debating skills, as much of our work is discussion-based, encouraging pupils to become more articulate and provide evidence for their views or even argue for an opposing view; and finally logic skills, as pupils need to think through some complex and challenging ideas and arguments.
In the Sixth Form: the OCR A Level course delivers an intellectually stimulating specification which provides a critical approach to the consideration of moral, philosophical and theological issues. Pupils study the theories of philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Anscombe, Aquinas, Moore, Ayer, Freud, Calvin, Marx, Boff, Barth and Rahner.
Pupils study three papers: Philosophy, Ethics and Theology. In Ethics, they will consider how we make moral decisions and how these ethical theories can be applied to recent debates, such as the legalisation of euthanasia and questions surrounding sexual ethics. In Philosophy, they will question whether we are simply our material bodies or whether we have a soul, what we mean when we talk about God, and whether God is a necessary explanation for the origin of the universe. In Theology, pupils can discuss the impact of feminist and Marxist thinking on Christianity, whether all will be saved in the afterlife, and the impact of secularisation on organised religion.
We aim to enable pupils to think rationally, lucidly, independently and critically; as important as the questions are, so is the process of learning to answer them. It is the ultimate transferable work skill and, as such, is highly regarded at all universities. A Philosophy, Ethics or Theology qualification immediately demonstrates that a person can ‘think outside the box’ and weigh wide-ranging arguments with precision and detail.
Biographies
Mrs Katie Bullard, MA (Cantab), Head of Philosophy and Theology
Mrs Katie Bullard joined Caterham in 2024 with 17 years of experience as a Head of Department at City of London School for Girls, and further teaching experience at Alleyn’s School, Dulwich and Comberton Village College, Cambridge. Mrs Bullard takes an active enquiry stance to developing her teaching and learning, and has led projects focusing on collaborative learning, assessment for learning and the impact of positive praise. She has a particular interest in the application of philosophical concepts to contemporary dilemmas (and really loved The Good Place on Netflix!). Mrs Bullard can often be found enjoying Kant memes and running Thunk Club for 1st and 2nd Year pupils. Mrs Bullard is looking forward to developing our enrichment programme, along with Mrs Webster, and relating every session to one of her many cats.
Mrs Samantha Webster, BA (Oxon), Teacher of Philosophy and Theology, Head of Teaching and Learning
Mrs Samantha Webster joined Caterham in 2017 with 10 years of experience teaching at Worth School, West Sussex, and Trinity School in Croydon. Mrs Webster is a senior examiner for OCR A Level Religious Studies, where she also leads teacher training and INSET and has a published article on Gender and Theology in Dialogue magazine. Mrs Webster’s area of academic interest spans from the Medieval Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas and the moral philosophy of Immanuel Kant to the current ethical implications of emerging technologies, especially AI and the implications for discussions surrounding what it means to be human. Mrs Webster can often be found trying to sneak her dog, Truffle, into lessons and discussing all things ethical in Ethics Cup with Mrs Rounds.
Mr. Jan Whyatt, B.A. Manchester, PGCE Roehampton Institute, M.A. Heythrop College, University of London, Teacher of Philosophy and Theology
Mr Jan Whyatt joined Caterham School in 2003 with 11 years of experience teaching at Trinity School, Croydon and before that at Hampton School. Mr Whyatt has experience as an examiner for AQA GCSE level Religious Studies. His area of academic interest is the New Testament and Philosophy of Religion. Mr Whyatt can often be found coaching on a rugby field as a qualified referee, when not engaged in philosophical discussions with sixth formers.
Mrs Rebecca Mugridge B.A. University of Southampton, e-Qualitas QTS, Teacher of Philosophy and Theology, Head of Wellbeing, DDSL
Mrs Rebecca Mugridge is an Old Caterhamian who returned to teach at Caterham School in 2014, after completing her study of Philosophy & English Literature at Southampton University. Mrs Mugridge’s areas of academic interest include the Philosophy of Religion, as well as Epistemology and how we can come to ascertain true knowledge. Mrs Mugridge brings her expertise to the sports fields, where she is an excellent Lacrosse coach. She is also Head of Wellbeing, and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Mrs Grace Rounds B.A Durham University, PGCE King’s College London.
Mrs Grace Rounds joined as a teacher of Philosophy & Theology in 2021. Previously Head of Department at RGS Worcester, Gordano School Portishead, Nailsea School, St Martin’s School Essex and Felsted Prep School. Mrs Rounds has a particular interest in medical ethics, political philosophy, and aesthetics. Mrs Rounds runs our Ethics Cup team, with Mrs Webster, and is always keen to create new and exciting ways to keep 4th, 5th, L6th and U6th debaters on their toes with ethical and philosophical challenges! Mrs Rounds has also supported the introduction of TED ED which encourages communication of ideas and a deep understanding of differing approaches to answering some of life’s big philosophical questions. Mrs Rounds is passionate about singing and supports Vocal Point club.
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