From Euthanasia to Feminism – students engage with leading thinkers at Oxford
On Tuesday 9 December, Lower and Upper Sixth A Level Religious Studies students travelled to Oxford University to attend an excellent Sixth Form Conference run by EthIQa.
Katya Hanbury, Sixth Form Head of Subject for Religious Studies said: ‘We heard four lecturers present on a wide variety of subjects that were relevant to our course and yet also went beyond it. It was really inspiring to listen to all the lectures and have the opportunity to sit in an Oxford lecture hall. The facilities were incredible and pupils are now all looking forward to going to university.
‘The first lecture was on “Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide” by Julie Arliss. This was very interesting as it is a current issue being discussed in Parliament and in our moral philosophy lessons. Our second lecture was delivered by Dr Liam Gearon, Associate Professor in Religious Education on the topic of religious experience. His insights and book recommendations proved very valuable.
‘Our third riveting lecture was given by Professor Alister McGrath, one of the theologians we study. He spoke about whether religious faith, presenting a range of perspectives to challenge what we may have thought. Moreover, his talk was very logically presented as he easily guided us through complex ideas.
‘Before our final lecture, there was a debate open to all students. The question explored whether consent is the only thing that is needed. It was thought provoking to hear all the different points of view offered up by students from a variety of schools.
‘It was really inspiring to be lectured by our final speaker, Dr Daphne Hampson, a powerful feminist philosopher and theologian. Dr Hampson discussed the subject of feminism and religion. It was so interesting and thought-provoking. Overall, it was an inspiring and absorbing day, and we are looking forward to engaging with more of these ideas in our lessons in the coming months.’
Katya Hanbury
Sixth Form Head of Subject for Religious Studies
