Humanities is a subject that immerses learners in the world around them. We provide an awe inspiring and eye-opening curriculum that allows students to explore the physical environment and the people within it, including past, present and the future. Through Humanities our students are able to develop their knowledge of major world events, issues and religions alongside enriching their spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding. We strive to promote tolerance and respect for people from all walks of life whilst developing critical thinkers and effective problem solvers.

Mrs L Clarke

Director of Learning for Humanities

Miss C Bradley

Assistant Director of Learning (Geography)

Mr R Smeaton

Subject Lead (History)

History

At Holyhead, history is vitally important to our students. Being from such diverse ethnic backgrounds, they bring to this school a wide variety of pasts, cultures and stories. Through the study of history we are able to explore these stories, unravel their histories and give them a greater understanding of the community around them.

We also want to develop them with a sense of pride in their community and country by showing them how it has developed, changed and impacted on the rest of the world.

We aim to instil our classes with the ability to think critically, reach reasoned, evidenced judgements and use their initiative to discover the truth about the past.

Geography

There is no subject more current than geography. A high-quality geography education inspires students to think critically about the physical and human world around them. Geography evokes a sense of fascination, awe and wonder about the world and the people within it. We strive to instil in our students a sense of responsibility and ownership of the world through analysing big geographical issues such as climate change and the environment, whilst also teaching our students that there is no clear eventuality for our world. We are the key to our futures and the challenges which we teach about can all be overcome. This is done through educating our students to become global citizens allowing them to act locally but think globally.

Religion & Ethics

Holyhead consists of students from a variety of religious and cultural background; Religion and Ethics provides a forum for learning about the way that others choose to live both within Holyhead and beyond. However R & E at Holyhead surpasses the knowledge of religion; its beliefs and practices. Our fundamental aim is to allow students to develop a deeper understanding of the meaning and purpose of their own lives; through a range of important questions relating to spiritual development students are encouraged to consider their values and purpose, whilst considering the beliefs and experiences of others. The curriculum offers opportunities for developing mutual respect, celebrating diversity, understanding rights and responsibilities and cultivating philosophical minds. Through this we provide students with attitudes that prepare them for their future role within society as active and responsible citizens.

Key Stage 3

We aim to ensure that all students...

History

Understand then community around them. How it has grown, developed and changed over time and the impact it has had on the nation.
Are aware of the impact Britain has had on the wider world. From exploration to colonisation and through times of peace and war.
Understand concepts of history such as continuity and change and cause and consequence so they can come to their own reasoned judgements and conclusions.
Will become familiar with how to study history using evidence, interpretations and understand how to use them to best effect.

Geography

Develop a deep understanding of a wide range of geographical issues, concepts and processes
Debate the future of the world and consider key solutions
Embrace the physical and human world around them
Become critical thinkers through geographical enquiry
Explore key geographical skills including data analysis, graphical and numerical skills
Develop fieldwork skills through data collection and presentation

Religion and Ethics:

Discuss challenging questions about the meaning and purpose of life, beliefs, the self, issues of right and wrong, and what it means to be human and fostering personal reflection and spiritual development
Explore their own beliefs (whether they are religious or non-religious)
Build their sense of identity and belonging, which helps them flourish within their communities and as citizens in a diverse society
Develop respect for others, including people with different faiths and beliefs, and helps to challenge prejudice
Consider their responsibilities to themselves and to others, and to explore how they might contribute to their communities and to wider society. It encourages empathy, generosity and compassion.

Enrichment opportunities

A variety of trips including the Worcester Royal Medical Museum, The Black Country Museum and The South Staffordshire Regiment Museum.
Small scale fieldwork involving environmental quality surveys and micro climate analysis, a visit to Dudley Zoo and Castle for a conservation workshop, a visit to a local farm to consider sustainability, a trip to London to see the Natural History Museum
Visits to local places of worship, Theatre visit, LIFE speakers, Cross-curricular drop down days

History

Students will be taught about…

Historical skills

What the necessary skills are within history and how to apply them within historical enquiries

The development of Britain from 1066

Norman Conquest - The death of Edward the Confessor, who wanted to rule England and the Battle of Hastings. How England developed under the Normans - religion, castles power
Black Death - What people believed caused the Black Death in 1348, how they tried to cure and prevent it and how it impacted on Europe.
The Peasants Revolt - Why were the Peasants revolting? What did they want to achieve and were they successful?

A local study

Handsworth Through Time - How has the local area developed over the centuries. How did people used to live here and what impact has Handsworth, and people from the area, had on the nation.

Historical depth study

Crime and punishment through the ages - What is crime? How has its definition changed, why do people commit crimes and what punishments do people receive?How have these areas changed from 1500 to the present day?

The Modern World

World War 1 and World War 2 - What caused the Wars? Major events of the 2 World Wars and the impact they had on people and the world.
The Holocaust - What was the Holocaust? Who carried out it, how and why? How has this impacted the Jewish community and the world today?

World History

Slavery and the British Empire - How did Britain become the most powerful country in the world? What impact did this have globally? What was the slave trade who did it effect and how was Britain involved?

Geography

Students will be taught to…

Develop their locational knowledge

explore the continents and oceans of the world with specific focus upon the UK, Asia and the Middle East. Students will mainly focus upon the physical characteristics of these areas including location and climate, whilst also considering their main geographical issues.

Develop their knowledge of human geography

through analysis of development, megacities and issues associated with rapid population growth. Students will focus upon key areas of the world including Mexico City and Mumbai. They will also consider the human geography of the UK.

Develop their knowledge of physical geography

considering key geographical processes associated with the structure of the earth and associated hazards, weather and climate, and natural ecosystems. Students will also be given an opportunity to learn about the concerns for the health of our planet, what the future looks like and the possible solutions to some of nature’s biggest problems.

Develop their geographical skills

through fieldwork opportunities, data analysis (including graphs, maps and imagery) and an opportunity to explore and use GIS within lessons. Students will also utilise their problem solving skills through geographical enquiry.

Religion and Ethics

Students will be taught to…

Learn about religion

Learning about religion includes enquiry into, and investigation of, the nature of religion, its beliefs, teachings and ways of life, sources, practices and forms of expression. It includes the skills of interpretation, analysis and explanation. Pupils learn to communicate their knowledge and understanding using specialist vocabulary. It also includes identifying and developing an understanding of ultimate questions and ethical issues.

Learn from religion

Learning from religion is concerned with developing pupils’ reflection on and response to their own and others’ experiences in the light of their learning about religion. It develops pupils’ skills of application, interpretation and evaluation of what they learn about religion. Pupils learn to develop and communicate their own ideas, particularly in relation to questions of identity and belonging, meaning, purpose and truth, and values and commitments.

Key Stage 4

In Key Stage 4, students can choose to study the Pearson Edexcel GCSE History course and the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Geography course. These qualifications count towards the 'Humanities element' of the English Baccalaureate. Students can also study Pearson Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies, which counts towards the 'Open element' of the English Baccalaureate.

Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in History

Qualification aims and objectives

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

develop and extend their knowledge and understanding of specified key events, periods and societies in local, British, and wider world history; and of the wide diversity of human experience
engage in historical enquiry to develop as independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers
develop the ability to ask relevant questions about the past, to investigate issues critically and to make valid historical claims by using a range of sources in their historical context
develop an awareness of why people, events and developments have been accorded historical significance and how and why different interpretations have been constructed about them
organise and communicate their historical knowledge and understanding in different ways and reach substantiated conclusions.

Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Geography A

Qualification aims and objectives

GCSE specifications for the discipline of geography give students the opportunity to understand more about the world, the challenges it faces and their place within it. This GCSE course will deepen understanding of geographical processes, illuminate the impact of change and of complex people-environment interactions, highlight the dynamic links and interrelationships between places and environments at different scales, and develop students’ competence in using a wide range of geographical investigative skills and approaches. Geography enables young people to become globally and environmentally informed and thoughtful, enquiring citizens.

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to build on their Key Stage 3 knowledge and skills to:

develop and extend their knowledge of locations, places, environments and processes, and of different scales, including global; and of social, political and cultural contexts (know geographical material)
gain understanding of the interactions between people and environments, change in places and processes over space and time, and the interrelationship between geographical phenomena at different scales and in different contexts (think like a geographer)
develop and extend their competence in a range of skills including those used in fieldwork, in using maps and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and in researching secondary evidence, including digital sources; and develop their competence in applying sound enquiry and investigative approaches to questions and hypotheses (study like a geographer)
apply geographical knowledge, understanding, skills and approaches appropriately and creatively to real world contexts, including fieldwork, and to contemporary situations and issues; and develop well-evidenced arguments drawing on their geographical knowledge and understanding (applying geography).

Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Religious Studies A

Qualification aims and objectives

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

develop their knowledge and understanding of religions and non-religious beliefs, such as atheism and humanism
develop their knowledge and understanding of religious beliefs, teachings, and sources of wisdom and authority, including through their reading of key religious texts, other texts, and scriptures of the religions they are studying
develop their ability to construct well-argued, well-informed, balanced and structured written arguments, demonstrating their depth and breadth of understanding of the subject
engage with questions of belief, value, meaning, purpose, truth, and their influence on human life
reflect on and develop their own values, beliefs and attitudes in the light of what they have learnt and will contribute to their preparation for adult life in a pluralistic society and global community
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of two religions
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key sources of wisdom and authority including scripture and/or sacred texts, where appropriate, which support contemporary religious faith
understand the influence of religion on individuals, communities and societies
understand significant common and divergent views between and/or within religions and beliefs
apply knowledge and understanding in order to analyse questions related to religious beliefs and values
construct well-informed and balanced arguments on matters concerned with religious beliefs and values.

GCSE_History_(9-1)_Specification_Issue_2.pdf

History

Geography_A_Issue3 GCSE (9-1) Specification.pdf

Geography

Specification-GCSE-L1-L2-Religious-Studies-A-June-2016-Draft-4.pdf

Religious Studies

Key Stage 5

In Key Stage 5, students can choose to study Pearson Edexcel GCE A Level Geography, History or Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics).

Pearson Edexcel Level 3 GCE A Level in Geography

Course Overview

This specification offer an issues-based approach to studying geography, enabling students to explore and evaluate contemporary geographical questions and issues such as the consequences of globalisation, responses to hazards, water insecurity and climate change. It provides a balance between your own physical, human and /or environmental interests, and key geographical topics that provides you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to ready you for further study in higher education - or for employment.

Skills needed

Basic skills including annotation of illustrative material, base maps, sketch maps, OS maps, diagrams, graphs, sketches, photographs. You will also develop investigative skills, this means being able to identify geographical questions and issues, and offer effective approaches to enquiry, you will also need to be able to identify, select and collect quantitative and qualitative evidence from primary sources (including fieldwork) and secondary sources. You will have to process, present, analyse and interpret evidence as well as drawing conclusions and showing an awareness of the validity of conclusions and construct evaluations. You will also need statistical skills and literacy skills.

Enrichment opportunities

Visits to Iceland (new), Italy (new), Snowdonia, Dorset Coast residential, The Eden Project and Blackpool. There are also a range of lectures, seminars and Masterclasses that vary from year to year which are made available to all students.

Sixth Form entry requirements

5 GCSE 4-9/A*-C Grades including a Grade 4 in both English and Mathematics.

Specific minimum GCSE entry requirements

(Grade C = 4/low-mid 5; Grade B = high 5 - 6; Grade A = 7) Grade 6 in Geography.

Pearson Edexcel Level 3 GCE A Level in History

Course Overview

History students are not just limited to ‘becoming another History teacher’ (unless they want to of course!). Nor are they destined to gather dust in a museum or library (again unless they want to!). It’s a universally respected subject because of the challenge it presents, but the challenge is the stimulation. A well rounded education includes an understanding of our past, which continues to inform the present and our future and the units available to study in this qualification combine to provide you with an appreciation of this. By focusing on the history of modern Britain and the USA we can address social, cultural and political themes that have an impact on our lives and the modern world we live in, especially in light of current political debates under a Conservative government where echoes of the Thatcher years still remain strong.

History is about controversy and there is plenty of that in the topics you’ll cover, so if you enjoy debate and justifying your opinions then you’ll find plenty to get your teeth into over the two years!

Skills needed

Develop skills to analyse and evaluate contemporary sources and historical interpretations. Develop analytical skills in addressing questions relating to causation/consequence, continuity/change and significance. Apply criteria to produce well supported judgements.

Enrichment opportunities

History students will have the chance to benefit from A-level ‘Study Days’ and Masterclasses at the National Army Museum, Imperial War Museum and at University of Birmingham. There is also the potential for a residential study visit to either France/Belgium to support work on Paper 3.

Sixth Form entry requirements

5 GCSE 4-9/A*-C Grades including a Grade 4 in both English and Mathematics.

Specific minimum GCSE entry requirements

(Grade C = 4/low-mid 5; Grade B = high 5 - 6; Grade A = 7) Grade 6 in History or Grade 6 in English examinations if History not studied.

Pearson Edexcel Level 3 GCE A Level in Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)

Course Overview

Religious Studies is the subject for you if you enjoy debate and critical thinking. Philosophy will stretch your mind analysing different arguments regarding the existence or non-existence of God and looks at philosophical problems centred around the problem of evil and suffering and life after death. Ethics involves evaluating how we make moral decisions and will cover a number of theories before applying these to issues such as Abortion, Euthanasia, Sexual Ethics and War. The study of Islam will give you the skills necessary to apply to theology and comparative religion. It is an interesting subject that is applicable to all future studies involving reasoning and critical thinking as well as covering issues related to religion, teaching, medicine and social studies.

Skills needed

Excellent literacy and communication skills are essential as the subject is assessed exclusively through the writing of essays! Feistiness (at least on paper) is also a desirable quality as it aids critical thinking and the ability to evaluate.

Enrichment opportunities

Candle Conferences’ which are amazing events presented by top scholars in their fields - one for Philosophy and one for Ethics. Annual Sixth Form conference at Newman University. Students are also encouraged to support in lower school lessons.

Sixth Form entry requirements

5 GCSE 4-9/A*-C Grades including a Grade 4 in both English and Mathematics.

Specific minimum GCSE entry requirements

(Grade C = 4/low-mid 5; Grade B = high 5 - 6; Grade A = 7) Grade 6 in Religious Studies or in a subject with similar skills such as History. Minimum of a Grade 6 in English.

Pearson-Edexcel-GCE-A-level-Geography-specification-issue-5-FINAL.pdf

Geography

9781446914366_GCE_2015_A_HIST.pdf

History

Specification_GCE_A_Level_in_Religious_Studies.pdf

Philosophy & Ethics

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance

Geography Poster.pdf

History Poster.pdf

Religious Studies Poster.pdf

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