Published at 19:47, Thursday, 09 October 2008

MARYPORT’S Netherhall School gained top marks in the country for girls’ A-level religious studies in 2007, according to the Good Schools Guide.

top marks: With the Good Schools Guide award is head of RE Ian Russell and head of the sixth form Claire Atkinson

The school received an award from the authors of the guide, which is published annually.

Religious studies head Ian Russell and philosophy teacher Claire Atkinson said they were thrilled at the results, which reflected the enthusiasm and hard work of pupils and staff.

Mr Russell said: “It came out of the blue. We don’t do this job to get accolades, we do it to make sure the students get the grades they need to further themselves in life.

“Our focus hasn’t changed but this is certainly a nice pat on the back for Netherhall School.”

Senior religious studies pupils have visited Ground Zero in New York and attended a conference based on putting religious differences to one side.

Pupils have also been learning about how the history of philosophy and ethics applies to modern day scenarios.

Mr Russell said: “Religious studies is an important subject because, whatever your chosen career, it will generally involve trying to understand others and trying to answer some of life’s big questions.”

A former student, Lisa Barcock, 19, has embarked on a three-year teacher training degree and hopes to teach religious studies.

Mr Russell said: “She was a fantastic student and will make an excellent teacher.”

Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk