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Humanities

Our Humanities curriculum analyses the link between the past, present and the future, as well as the interactions between the human, physical and spiritual dimensions to understand the world we all live in. We aim to build awareness of our culture, identity and our responsibility as global citizens towards others and our environment. 

History 

Our curriculum ensures there is academic rigour to the study of History, with students being asked to analyse and evaluate contemporary and secondary materials right from the beginning of Year 7. In the age of information and the deluge of ‘fake news,’ the ability to critique, contextualise and interrogate sources of any nature is more important than ever. The knowledge and skills acquired in history are still very relevant today for anyone hoping to succeed in education, the workplace and most of all: society at large. 

Students studying History are given the opportunity to learn from the triumphs and mistakes of our predecessors and, as a result, become more impartial as decision-makers. We build our students understanding of how society was built by studying the role played by a variety of different factors, which helps to boost our respect towards different cultures, religions and political ideologies. 

Geography 

Students studying our curriculum understand how global landscapes have been affected by fluvial, climatic and tectonic processes while valuing the variety of scenery our planet offers them. They think critically about the impacts humans have on these dynamic landscapes by analysing contemporary large scale problems from global warming and pollution to a shortage of natural resources and the cycle of poverty. They can discuss these issues in depth and explore solutions in order to make the world a better place. While doing so they develop a range of skills from problem solving, critical thinking, reasoning and literacy skills in conveying their ideas.

Furthermore, Hampton High geographers develop a range of mathematical and investigative skills from carrying out valuable and accurate fieldwork as well as reading different types of data from maps to graphs. These wide array of skills effectively prepares students for the future of a myriad of careers and supplements a range of subjects in its cross-curricular links, but also helps students effectively engage with current affairs. 

Religion, Philosophy and Ethics 

Our Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (RPE) curriculum is designed and centred around analysing and learning about people within our community, society and world. Students are taught to understand why people act the way they do, why people have certain beliefs and values and where these beliefs and values come from. Students embark on many enquiries centred around three key themes: Beliefs and Practices, Religion in a Modern World, and Philosophy and Ethics.

Our Beliefs and Practices modules allow students to explore the religious world and study a diverse and wide-ranging selection of religious views and teachings and customs. This wonderfully reflects and celebrates the diverse school community that we have at Hampton High. We aim to open student’s mind to views that they may never have encountered and understand why people hold these views, where they come and how to approach them with a critical eye whilst treating them with the utmost respect.

We then apply these beliefs and teachings to the modern world and bring into focus how relevant these teachings may or may not be in our society today. Students question whether religious beliefs and teachings are compatible with scientific evidence, why people are persecuted for their beliefs and how religious beliefs may impact the rights and freedoms of individuals.

Our curriculum also goes beyond the bounds of religious teachings and beliefs and seeks to explore some of life’s most challenging philosophical questions. How should we make moral decisions? Do humans have free will? What is real? These questions can be frustrating but spark a curiosity in students that is unique to the subject. These debates and big questions create an undeniable buzz in the classroom and push students to think in ways they may never have before.

RPE doesn’t always have a right answer, it allows you to explore and question your own beliefs, morals and spirituality through partaking in healthy debates and discussions. RPE also explores how religion has affected current society and shaped the world we live in. RPE promotes equality through analysing our culture and identity to help build a better future for all.

Humanities Curriculum Plan 2023Excel GCSE History Specification

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