Religious Studies

Religious Studies is taught throughout the Dragon starting in Reception at Lynams and up to Year 8, when Scholarships, The Dragon Leaving Examination and Common Entrance papers are taken. All children in Year 4 - 8 have two lessons per wekk and those in years 7 and 8 have a preparation once a week. There is an after school Philosophy and Ethics club for scholars.

Philosophy

The aim of the department is to represent the Christian belief of the school. At the same time the department has an open approach to religious education and promotes a forum for discussion within the teaching of the subject in a way that is attractive to pupils of all cultural backgrounds. The school is supportive to those of all religious faiths.

Religious issues are studied within an atmosphere of honesty, with pupils being encouraged to ask questions and discuss the difficult areas between science and religion. The children are taught to respect the opinions of others and show integrity and tolerance towards one another. In the teaching of Religious Studies the department also promotes and encourages the understanding of one’s moral and spiritual awareness.

Syllabus

From Reception through to Year 6 an internal syllabus and scheme of work has been created to guide the teaching of Religious Studies. This syllabus covers Old and New Testament texts as well as important festivals during the year in the Judaeo-Christian tradition.Whilst Christianity is the main world religion taught at the Dragon, it is one of the objectives of the department to make the children aware of other faiths. To this end we endeavour to present the children with a broad knowledge and understanding of a number of the major world religions.

In Year 6, children are introduced to the six major world religions and their key aspects. In Years 7 and 8 a course of Biblical texts, Ethical and Moral theory and Philosophy is taught. This is a five term course with an examination, The Dragon Leaving Examination for senior schools sat at the end of Year 8. There is dedicated scholarship material studied for those who have been selected at this level.

Collective Worship at the Dragon Sunday Services

The Christian ethos and tradition are kept through an ecumenical, nondenominational Sunday service each week throughout the school term. The services have a theme each week and the serviceare organised by the Chaplain. The talks are given either by the Chaplain, the Headmaster or invited guest speakers. The school choir regularly sings at the service and guests and parents are welcome. Roman Catholic boarders have the option of attending Family Mass with their parents at St. Aloysius in St. Giles, Oxford. Catechism is also organised on request.

Morning Assemblies

These are on Monday, Wednesday andFriday.The assemblies are a time for the whole school to gather together in the morning before the academic start to the day. They are nondenominational and have a moral theme, which usually takes the form of a reading, followed by a hymn and a prayer. Children are encouraged to read in the assembly or produce and perform relevant material such as a drama or musical item. In addition congregational singinghappens on a Wednesday.

For more information contact:
Robert Startin
Lay Chaplain, i/c Religious Studies