Intent
Humanities builds chronologically secure knowledge and an understanding of physical and human processes progressively from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4.
Students develop knowledge of significant events, people and places, establish clear narratives within and across periods of study, and understand how geographical processes shape the natural and human environment. They are taught to use subject specific vocabulary accurately and to ask and answer historically and geographically valid questions about cause, consequence, similarity, difference and significance.
By Key Stage 4, students are prepared for GCSE study with the knowledge, analytical skills and written communication required for examination success.
Implementation
Lower Key Stage 2
In Geography, students study settlements, volcanoes and coasts, developing their understanding of key physical processes and geographical terminology. They identify and describe features such as peaks, causes, sources and mouths, and apply their knowledge through fieldwork and practical tasks.
In History, students study Ancient Egypt, Stone age, Ancient Rome, Anglo Saxons, Tudors and World War 2, developing a chronologically secure understanding of early civilisations. They describe characteristic features of the period, compare aspects of life with the present day, and begin to understand how knowledge of the past is constructed from sources.
Upper Key Stage 2
In Geography, students develop locational and place knowledge through a comparative study of the United Kingdom, Mexico and Brazil. They examine climate zones, physical features, population, culture, religion and economic activity, identifying similarities and differences and explaining how human and physical geography interact.
In History, students study Early Islamic civilisation, crime and punishment, Elizabethan England, medicine and disease, changing role of women and World War 1, establishing clear narratives within and across periods. They examine crime and punishment throughout the ages, how England changed under Elizabeth 1st and how it is different from today, study different cultures answer to medicine and what was believed to be the cause throughout history, how lives of women changed and what caused the change. Pupils address historically valid questions about change and continuity, cause and consequence, similarity and difference, and significance, using evidence to support their responses.
Key Stage 3
Students extend and deepen their knowledge across History, Geography and Religious Education.
In History, they study the Norman Conquest, Ancient civilisations, the Ming Dynasty, the Crusades, black death, Henry VIII, Ancient Greece, Civil war, Ancient Egypt, Pirates and early empires developing a secure understanding of change over time and analysing sources and interpretations.
In Geography, students examine natural hazards and physical processes, development, middle east, Pangea, oceans and ecosystems , including tectonic activity and disaster response. They interpret geographical data and evaluate human responses to environmental challenges.
In Religious Education, students explore key beliefs, practices and ethical issues, comparing religious and non-religious viewpoints and justifying their own responses.
Key Stage 4
Students study GCSE History (AQA and Edexcel), undertaking in-depth enquiries such as Russia under Nicholas II and the Russian Revolution. They develop detailed knowledge and understanding of the period and analyse sources and interpretations in line with GCSE assessment objectives. Students construct informed, structured responses that involve selecting, organising and deploying relevant evidence.
Impact
By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils demonstrate chronologically secure knowledge, describe characteristic features of past societies, and explain key physical and human geographical processes.
By the end of Key Stage 3, students confidently analyse historical events and interpretations, interpret geographical evidence and evaluate responses to global challenges.
By the end of Key Stage 4, students produce well-structured, evidence-based arguments and demonstrate secure knowledge and analytical skills in preparation for GCSE examinations.