Is Common Entrance Religious Studies Important?

Common Entrance Religious Studies is taken seriously by public schools; an increasing number weight the results on a par with History or Geography.  This means that an A is well worth aiming for.

However, as well as being a proper academic discipline, the subject should also aid spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, encourage critical and analytical thought and promote skills of evaluation and empathy.  Current affairs and ethics play an integral part.  Pupils should consider moral questions which may not have hard and fast answers.  They should also have an opportunity to express and explain their personal opinions based both on evidence and on reasoned thought.

Many people's perception of Religious Studies is based on what it was like when they were at school; often they are pleasantly surprised to learn how much it has changed since then.  It is now academically-respected, relevant, engaging and enjoyable.  When taught well, it forms a crucial part of a balanced curriculum in the political and religious world in which we live.

Because of all this, Religious Studies is arguably one of the most important prep. school subjects - if taught well.

Religious Studies shouldn't simply be about memorising facts and figures; it should be about learning to think for yourself.