Humanities
Welcome to the Humanities Cluster at Burntwood School. The Humanities department offers a rich and diverse curriculum across three key subjects: Geography, History, and Religious Studies (RS). We are dedicated to nurturing the curiosity, critical thinking, and analytical skills of our students, helping them understand the world around them, both past and present.
Whether you're exploring the mysteries of the past in History, understanding the complexity of the human world in Geography, or grappling with ethical dilemmas and philosophical questions in Religious Studies, our aim is to encourage students to think deeply, question assumptions, and appreciate the diverse perspectives that make up our global society.
Skills and Knowledge Acquired
Students will acquire a broad range of skills and knowledge across all three Humanities subjects. Key areas of focus include:
- Critical Thinking
Students will develop the ability to evaluate information, ask pertinent questions, and make reasoned judgments based on evidence. - Analytical Skills
Students will analyse primary and secondary sources, geographical data, historical documents, and religious texts to understand complex issues. - Communication Skills
Students will be encouraged to express their ideas clearly, both in written and spoken form, through essays, presentations, and discussions. - Literacy skills
Students will develop their reading and writing skills through the study of all humanities subjects. Students will refine their ability to express their ideas clearly and learn how to explain concepts in depth through reading and extracting relevant information. - Empathy and Global Awareness
Students will gain a deeper understanding of the cultural, historical, and ethical issues that shape human societies today. - Problem-Solving
Students will develop problem-solving skills, particularly through Geography’s focus on understanding and managing global challenges, History’s exploration of historical events, and Religious Studies' ethical and moral dilemmas.
Curriculum Maps
Areas of Study
Key Stage 3 (KS3)
In KS3, students explore the foundations of the Humanities subjects, with a focus on developing core knowledge and skills.
- Geography: Introduction to key geographical concepts such as weather, ecosystems, globalisation, local and global issues.
- History: Study of medieval history, modern history of both Britain and Europe. Topics include the Norman Conquest, medieval society, the Tudors, the British Empire and the Holocaust.
- Religious Studies: Introduction to world religions including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism. Exploration of key beliefs and world views, ethical questions and moral issues.
Key Stage 4 (KS4)
KS4 builds upon KS3 knowledge and prepares students for GCSE exams in each subject.
- Geography: The study of physical and human geography, including topics like natural hazards, urban issues and challenges, physical environments and resources. Focus on geographical, numeracy and literacy skills and fieldwork.
- History: Detailed study of specific historical periods and themes, such as continuity and change in Medicine through time and Weimar and Nazi Germany.
- Religious Studies: In-depth study of major world religions and ethical issues, including the existence of God, medical ethics, human rights, relationships and peace and conflict.
Key Stage 5 (KS5)
At KS5, students are given the opportunity to explore complex issues in greater depth, fostering independent thought and critical analysis.
- Geography: Advanced topics in physical geography such as coasts and the carbon cycle and human geography such as regeneration and global distribution of power. Fieldwork will be carried out at the end of Year 12
- History: Advanced and in-depth studies of major historical changes and events such as the Cold War, the Tudors, and the American Civil Rights Movement.
- Religious Studies: In-depth philosophical and ethical study of religion, focusing on topics like the nature of God, ethics in religion, and developments in Christian thought.
Enrichment Opportunities
We believe that Humanities should be a dynamic and engaging subject, so we offer a wide range of enrichment opportunities to enhance students' learning:
- Trips: Students regularly go on trips to connect their classroom learning to the real-world. In Geography students visit urban areas, coastal regions, and areas affected by environmental change including Seaford, Stratford, Brighton and Battersea. In History students visit museums, and historic sites. In RS students attend academic conferences and visit places of worship.
- Guest Speakers & Workshops: Experts and authors in Geography, History, and Religious Studies are regularly invited to speak with students, offering valuable insights and helping students deepen their understanding of their Humanities subjects and cross-curricular studies.
- Extra-Curricular Clubs: Our Humanities clubs provide a space for students to further explore their interests in History, Geography, and RS, whether that’s through film screenings, discussion groups, or independent research projects.
Opportunities for Scholars
We are passionate about challenging our most dedicated and talented students and providing opportunities for them to excel. For Humanities Scholars, we offer:
- Workshop and Extension Activities: We offer interactive workshops designed to ignite and develop student’s passion for Humanities.
- Community projects: Students participate in activities that promote sustainability in the outside community and develop our students into global citizens
- University Outreach: We foster partnerships with universities and offer students opportunities to attend lectures, visit campuses, and engage in activities that introduce them to higher education in the Humanities.
- A-Level and Beyond Preparation: Scholars are given the opportunity to explore university-level material and critical theory to prepare them for study at the highest level.
We aim to foster a love of learning in all our students, helping them see the relevance of Humanities in the world around them. Whether you're exploring global issues in Geography, the moral and ethical questions in Religious Studies, or the fascinating history of our past, the Humanities department is here to help you think critically, ask important questions, and develop a well-rounded view of the world.
We look forward to supporting every student in their journey of discovery and academic achievement!
