Humanities Highlights

Welcome to the Autumn Term edition of our Humanities Faculty Newsletter! We are delighted to share the latest updates and upcoming events within our vibrant and dynamic faculty. As we reflect on this term, we celebrate the rich tapestry of History, Geography, and Religious Studies that our students passionately explore.

Congratulations to all our Year 11 students for successfully completing their mock exams. Your dedication and hard work have set a strong foundation for your future success. We are confident that you will continue to excel as you prepare for your final exams. Remember, this is just a stepping stone toward your larger goals, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have truly paid off. We are incredibly proud of your achievements and the progress you have made. This milestone is a testament to your commitment to excellence and your ability to overcome challenges. Keep up the fantastic work as you continue to prepare for your final exams. Well done Year 11!
We would also like to extend our congratulations to the students who have excelled in various extracurricular activities this term. Your enthusiasm and commitment to your passions outside the classroom are truly commendable and contribute greatly to the vibrant spirit of our faculty.

Highlights from this Term

Recently, our Geography students embarked on field trips to Stratford in East London, focusing on urban rebranding and environmental quality assessments. The trips included visits to key sites such as East Village, Westfield shopping centre, Stratford station, and Carpenter’s Estate. Students engaged in various fieldwork activities, including bipolar surveys, annotated field sketches, resident perception surveys, and land use surveys. These hands-on experiences provided valuable insights into urban development and community perspectives, enriching their understanding of geographical concepts.

Our History curriculum offers a rich and diverse exploration of significant historical periods and events. Year 7 students delve into Norman England, examining the claimants to the throne, the Battle of Hastings, and the establishment of the Feudal System. In Year 8, students study the Industrial Revolution and the British Empire, focusing on the transformative changes in society and the global impact of British colonialism. Year 9 students explore Medieval Medicine, learning about the medical practices and beliefs of the time, as well as the impact of the Black Death. Year 10 students focus on World War One, analysing the causes, key events, and consequences of the war.

Additionally, 30 students are eagerly anticipating the battlefields trip to Belgium on 27-28 February 2025. This educational excursion will provide them with a profound understanding of the historical significance of World War One battlefields. They will visit key sites, including Ypres and key memorials, where they will engage in guided tours and reflective activities. This trip aims to deepen their knowledge of the war's impact and the importance of remembrance.
Finally, Year 11 students study Nazi Germany, investigating the rise of the Nazi Party, the impact of Nazi policies, and the events leading up to and during World War Two. In the 6th Form, two of our students participated in the lessons from Auschwitz project which includes a one-day visit to the Nazi concentration camp; the photos below show us their emotional and powerful visit. They were able to fit this around their studies of 20th century America and all have got off to a really positive start to their A-level studies.

In Religious Studies this term, students have been deeply engaged in exploring various aspects of different religions and their impact on society. They have been studying the core beliefs, practices, and historical contexts of major world religions, including Christianity, Islam and Sikhism. This term, students in Year 7 have been studying justice, Year 8 have been exploring Sikhism, Years 9, 10, and 11 have been delving into Christianity and Islam, and Year 12 have been examining the existence of God through a series of philosophical explorations of a remarkably complex set of issues. The A-level has got off to a really positive start and we would actively encourage students to consider this as a possible option for their KS5 studies in their not-too distant futures.

As you can see, students in Humanities have had a busy half term! We would like to wish you all a very happy and, more importantly, safe holiday period. Regardless of whether you celebrate the festival of Christmas or not, please use this time to reflect on what you have and spend time with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming you all back in 2025 and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!