A leading boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 12-18 in Perthshire, Scotland
(Learning and Teaching Scotland)
Teaching in Divinity and Religious Studies includes learning about Christianity and other world religions, and supports the development of beliefs and values. This also includes aspects of philosophical enquiry.
Glenalmond is a foundation of the Scottish Episcopal Church but welcomes pupils of all faith backgrounds. Recognising the history and traditions of the College, aspects of Episcopalian belief and practice are explored in the classroom, alongside other Christian and non-Christian traditions.
The intention of the Divinity curriculum is to enable pupils to:
develop a knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other world religions and recognise religion as an important expression of human experience
explore moral values such as wisdom, justice, compassion and integrity
investigate and understand the responses which religions can offer to questions about the nature and meaning of life
develop the skills of reflection, discernment, critical thinking, and deciding how to act when making moral decisions
develop their beliefs, attitudes, moral values and practices through personal search, discovery and critical evaluation, and make a positive difference to the world by putting their beliefs and values into action.
In an attempt to achieve this, the sub-Sixth Form curriculum seeks to engage pupils through the following:
II Form: The Old Testament; The New Testament; People & Issues
III Form: Christianity: Beliefs & Sources of Authority; Commitment & Membership; Places of Worship; A Very Gentle Introduction to Philosophy
IV Form: Christianity: Worship; Holy Communion; Festivals; A Gentle Introduction to Philosophy; The Right to Life
V Form: Ethics: Christianity: Ethics: The Use of Medical Technology; Personal Responsibility; Social Responsibility; Religion & Cinema
The sub-Sixth Form curriculum is subject to ongoing active review and development. Much of the study is based on units from a GCSE Religious Studies curriculum although pupils are not presented for the GCSE examination.
For a detailed curriculum, click this link Divinity Curriculum Plan 2010-2011 (.pdf)
The exam board used at present for the AS & A2 Level in Religious Studies is Edexcel. The two areas of primary study are Philosophy of Religion and Ethics. The special area of study for Unit 2 in 2010-11 is A Study of Ethics: Sexual Equality in the Modern World.
The department / classroom is well resourced with its own computer, video projector, television, video player, DVD player, tape and CD player, OHP, whiteboard and a telephone. In addition to this, there is a very good departmental library ranging from confessional Christian works to areas of sociology and philosophy. There is also a small library of relevant DVDs and videos.
The Library
A' Level pupils are encouraged to use both the Departmental and College libraries for their study. They are introduced to the relevant sections and personal research is expected. The library areas pertaining to the course of study are updated with new publications in consultation with the Librarian.
The Rev'd Giles Dove MA, MPhil, BD, FRSA, FSA Scot
Head of Department
Stained glass in the Chapel
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