CONTACT VIRTUAL OPEN DAY BOX OFFICE PORTALS Phone Email Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Menu HOME | ABOUT BALLARD | BALLARD LIFE | RELIGIOUS STUDIES RELIGIOUS STUDIES With its Christian foundation, the School aims to enable our pupils to develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith and its relevance in today’s world. We also aim to enable our pupils to develop knowledge and understanding of some of the major world religions. Ballard School has a lively RS department, committed to the high achievement and well-being of our pupils. We want to prepare them for adulthood by providing many opportunities for pupils to reflect on spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues. Pupils of all ages are encouraged to express their ideas and learn the importance of mutual respect and tolerance. This is essential as our pupils grow up in multi-cultural Britain. The emphasis of the syllabus is on the Christian faith but there is also ample time given to study other world faiths. Our younger pupils study the life of Jesus and simple aspects of Hinduism, Judaism, Sikhism and Islam. Our Senior pupils continue with some of these topics in greater depth and detail. There are also plenty of opportunities to discuss moral and social issues, such as racism and poverty in our world. Those pupils who continue with RS at GCSE level study the following: Christian beliefs, teachings and practices. Jewish beliefs, teachings and practices. Religious and ethical studies from the Christian and Jewish perspectives. Over the past four years pupils have achieved 100% 9 to 4 / A* to C grades at GCSE and RS continues to be a popular GCSE choice. PRE-PREP RS in Pre-Prep provokes challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, one’s self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human. We aim to develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity but also other principal religions, religious traditions and worldviews that offer answers to questions these important questions. RS also contributes to our pupils’ personal development and well-being and to community cohesion by promoting mutual respect and tolerance in a diverse society. LOWER PREP Although this subject is taught predominantly from a Christian perspective, using the Bible as a major source and reference, other faiths including Judaism, Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam are introduced. Examining other religions and unfolding various moral and philosophical issues fosters religious tolerance, curiosity, imagination and creativity. UPPER PREP A closer examination of other world faiths becomes a key part of the RS syllabus. The philosophy of religion and a wider understanding of the nature of God are explored. Healthy debates and group discussions are key to learning. At this stage, the questions the pupils ask are often more important than the answers they produce. Again, the pupils’ curiosity, imagination, creativity and tolerance towards others are key principles. SENIOR The syllabus studied in the Senior School is much more philosophical in its nature. Theories evolving around theism, atheism and new atheism are all fully explored. Furthermore, many of the social and ethical issues are examined from various religious perspectives. Intellectual curiosity is encouraged and supported by events such as Christian Focus Week, as well as our weekly Christian Union meetings in the Lower, Upper and Senior parts of the School. Religious Studies trips have included visits to a local church, the Jewish synagogue in Bournemouth, Moorlands College in Sopley and Faithworks Wessex. NEWS school 27/10/21 Ballard Pupils Speak Up About Climate Change STEM 07/05/21 STEAM Challenge Success for Ballard Pupils arts 02/06/20 ballard@home – our School’s community forms a virtual choir to stay connected with each other next OPEN MORNINGS STORIES & TESTIMONIALS PHOTO & VIDEO GALLERY VISIT OUR VIRTUAL OPEN DAY next Ballard School Fernhill Lane, New Milton, BH25 5SU Tel: 01425 626900 Email: admissions@ballardschool.co.uk Keyboard shortcuts Map data ©2021 Terms of Use This page can't load Google Maps correctly. Do you own this website? OK View larger map © 2021 Ballard School School Website Design : innermedia.co.uk High Visibility | Sitemap | Privacy Policy We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Cookie Settings Reject All Accept All