Humanities are academic disciplines that study aspects of human society and culture. The Humanities Faculty at Kings of Wessex comprise Geography, History and RPE (Religion, Philosophy and Ethics), from Key Stages 3 to 5. Together our subjects explore human behaviour within the complexity of ideas, systems and processes that shape the world we live in. All subjects within the faculty aim for students to learn about the past, present and future in order to create global citizens who are stewards of their own future.
Humanities form an integral part of learning at Kings, helping to develop students in various skills as outlined below;
- Critical Thinking; Humanities subjects encourage critical thinking and analysis, helping students develop problem-solving skills and the ability to evaluate complex ideas.
- Cultural Awareness: studying humanities exposes students to different cultures, histories and perspectives, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of diversity.
- Communication Skills: Humanities empathise writing, speaking and communication skills, which are essential for success in various careers and in daily life.
- Ethical and Moral Reflection: Humanities often involve discussions of ethics and morality, helping students develop their own values and decision-making skills.
The Humanities Faculty is always striving to reflect on our work and strive for the highest quality in our teaching. We develop broad and cohesive curriculums in all our subjects that engage our learners and build on their prior learning.
Geography
The purpose of the Geography curriculum is to continue to ignite a curiosity about the world and its people, that will remain with students forever. Through exploration of global environments and communities and the varying topical challenges that our world and humanity faces, Geography instils respect and empathy for the environment and societies that exist in our dynamic world. By studying Geography at Kings, students will consolidate and build upon the knowledge, skills and understanding learned in KS3. They will continue to develop their literacy, numeracy and geographical skills alongside a variety of transferrable skills that will support future employability opportunities. The deepened skills and knowledge gained will also empower students to become informed, empathetic and active global citizens who can make sense of the world (and the opportunities and challenges within it) and support them in upholding and enacting Kings’ Core Values (PRIDE). Geography at Kings will provide students with the confidence and independence to make well informed and ambitious decisions that positively impact individual goals, relationships and the future of our planet.
History
The purpose of our History curriculum is to continue to inspire students to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the history of the local area, Britain and the wider world. Through the exploration of source material and analysis of different representations and interpretations of past events and societies, students further develop their literacy skills and are encouraged to ask questions and investigate the diverse and changing world around them. This understanding will aid students to uphold and enact Kings’ Core Value (PRIDE). Students of History are challenged to use the key concepts (cause, consequence, change, continuity, similarity, difference and significance) to explore key events and people through engaging lessons that encourage verbal communication, collaborative learning and extended writing to develop and critically analyse their knowledge of the past from Anglo Saxons to the present day. As a result of the study of History, students at Kings are empowered to become reflective, and empathetic global citizens with transferable skills for employability able to confidently express and justify their opinions and respectfully challenge others.
RPE
Our RPE curriculum aims to help learners understand, describe, evaluate, and inquire about Christian, and various religious and non-religious beliefs, teachings, and practices from around the world. In a supportive learning environment, we explore social, moral, spiritual, and cultural issues to help learners gain confidence and independence in exploring life’s big questions, including their own place and purpose in the world. Through engaging with a variety of resources and discussing and contextualising views and events, learners will consider their personal knowledge and ways of knowing. They will also strengthen their speech, language, and communication skills through textual analysis, case studies, key concepts, and vocabulary, giving greater fluency to their spoken and written explanations and evaluation. Positive relationships in RPE demonstrate the Kings’ Core values and British values. By investigating, empathising, debating, and analysing global religious, philosophical, and ethical issues, learners gain an appreciation for the law and a sense of respect for themselves, others, and the environment.
Overall, this subject encourages learners to become ambitious global citizens with transferable skills for both further education and future employment.