Humanities

Humanities students this half term has been exceptionally busy! In History, Year 7 students have been busy studying an important turning point in Britain, the battle of Hastings and the Norman conquests. They have examined and explored how William was able to win in 1066 and produced a piece of extended writing. In Year 8, students have been looking at and forming their own interpretations of the British empire before moving on to the Industrial Revolution, a time of great change in our history. Year 9 students concluded their study on the Holocaust and have now started exploring the history of medicine over 1000 years in preparation for if they then decide to study at GCSE level. Year 10 students have been in the trenches of the western front 1914-1918, and in February some students will experience this for real when they travel to Belgium to the battlefields; some pictures of where they will visit are below. We hope they enjoy what is a very powerful experience and share their thought with us and the wider Academy community on their return.

Year 11 History students continue to impress following their recent results from PPEs. Our message to them is to keep going regardless of how they might have done; we have every faith that you can do this! Year 12 History students continue apace with their study of America in the 20th century, recently exploring the quest for civil rights for African-Americans, taking great inspiration from the likes of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King. Finally, our Year 13s have worked really hard to complete a substantial amount of coursework, fitting it around their study of the British empire and Apartheid South Africa.

In Geography, a group of Year 11 students recently visited Bournemouth in Dorset to carry out their fieldwork. They were able to investigate the effectiveness of coastal management on this high value coastline. Working in groups, they demonstrated effective investigation and teamwork skills as well as behaving impeccably. Well done all!

In other Geography news, we are delighted to share some outstanding work that has been spotted by the teachers. These students will receive postcards home in recognition of their efforts.

RE students continue to explore religious and ethical issues with real enthusiasm; Year 7 have been exploring the thesis of justice in both religion and wider society, including a fascinating study of social justice through the story of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, enhancing their understanding of black history along the way. Mr Kidd in particular has really enjoyed students in his Year 8 class teaching him about the Sikh faith! The new GCSE pathway continues to show real promise and we would urge students to continue to engage with some of the things that make RE such a rich, fascinating subject to study. It is of course ever more important to explore the need for tolerance, diversity and respect given recent events in the world.

Lastly, all of us here in Team Humanities would like to take the opportunity to say goodbye to Mr Chinchen. He has been a huge part of our success here at the Academy in his 12 years and 2 half terms. He is a fantastic teacher, a bottomless font of knowledge and someone who has inspired us all in his time here. We wish him all the very best and we will miss him dearly. Do make sure to say thank you if you have been fortunate enough to have been taught by him.
Regardless of if you celebrate Christmas or not, we hope you have an amazing break and look forward to working with you all in 2024!