HUMANITIES

Welcome to the Somervale School Humanities Department

Welcome to the Humanities department at Somervale School! Our Humanities department is divided into three separate disciplines focusing on History, Geography and Philosophy & Belief. Each subject complements the other and staff work closely together to deliver a rich and rewarding curriculum that serves to broaden students minds' and as they engage with big ideas and deepen their understanding of their place within the world.

History

In Year 7 our students will cover 6 History topics as part of the Humanities subject. Each term they will have 1 topic of History, Geography and PB. In History they will look at the skills of a historian, the story of the Norman Conquest, and then the eras of Medieval and Tudor England, through the monarchs, key issues, and events of the times.

In Year 8 our students will be taught History independent of Geography and PB. Over the year students will study a range of new topics in the Early Modern World and into the Modern World such as The Civil War, the British Empire, Transatlantic Slavery, the Industrial Revolution, and World War One. Through each topic they study a range of issues including key events, key discussions and key themes as they build their skills as a historian. 

In Year 9 our students will be taught only by subject specialist teachers in preparation for options. They will cover a new range of topics in the Modern World, such as the Suffragettes, Rise of the Nazis, Rise of the Communists in Russia, World War Two, the Holocaust, and Post-War Britain. They build sophisticated skills as a historian such as how to engage with debate, different viewpoints, and confidently analysing primary sources. 

If students choose to continue their study of History into GCSE they will study the AQA specification starting in Year 10. This includes study of the Thematic Study: Migration and Empire, and the British Depth Study: Elizabethan England. These two topics engage students in the British story, through key themes and events. During this year they will become more confident in writing to a GCSE standard to prepare them for Year 11. 

In Year 11 students will continue the AQA specification and start the year looking at a Conflict and Tension Unit: currently the Cold War, although this is likely to change for 2026 onwards. They finish by learning about America: Opportunity and Inequality 1920-73, which gives them an opportunity to study a key era in American history through themes such as racism, sexism, and the economy. By this point, they are confident and will practise regularly the skills and extended writing they will need for their GCSE Exams. 

Geography

Our Geography curriculum is divided into Key Stage 3 (KS3) and Key Stage 4 (KS4). In KS3, students begin their journey in Year 7 as part of the Humanities program, with a total of 9 periods over a fortnight dedicated to History, Geography, and Philosophy & Belief (PB). In Year 8, Geography is taught separately for 3 periods a fortnight, covering 5 engaging topics throughout the year. By Year 9, students learn from subject specialist teachers and explore 5 new topics to deepen their understanding.

In Year 7, students engage with 6 Geography topics as part of the Humanities curriculum. Each term, they will study one topic each from History, Geography, and Philosophy & Belief. In Geography, they will develop essential skills through exploring topics such as map skills, rivers, global tribes, extreme ecosystems, local industry, and significant places in the UK. 

In Year 8, Geography is taught independently of History and Philosophy & Belief. Students will delve into a variety of new topics over the year, including coasts, crime, extreme weather, the future of our energy mix, and a new global issue topic introduced at the end of the year.

Year 9 focuses on preparing students for their future studies with lessons taught exclusively by subject specialists. Students will explore 5 new topics, enhancing their skills in GIS mapping. The subjects covered will include natural hazards, global development, marine ecosystems, global conflict, and the future of our resources.

Students who choose to continue their Geography studies into GCSE will follow the AQA specification. In Year 10, they will examine natural hazards, including earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, and climate change. The curriculum will then focus on tropical rainforests and hot/cold deserts, followed by studies of coasts and rivers, and concluding the year with an exploration of global and local cities.

In Year 11, students will continue with the AQA specification, starting the year by analyzing global economies. They will conduct two fieldwork studies and conclude their studies by addressing global resources and the challenges associated with access to water and energy.

We are excited to guide our students on their Geography learning journey at Somervale School! If you have any questions about our Geography curriculum, please feel free to contact me at eday@somervaleschool.com.

Philosophy & Belief

In Year 7, students will explore 6 Philosophy and Belief topics as part of their Humanities studies. Each term, they will focus on one topic each from History, Geography, and PB. In Philosophy and Belief, students will investigate the importance of PB, ponder ultimate questions, learn about environmental stewardship, study the life of Jesus, celebrate world religious festivals, and explore Islam.

In Year 8, Philosophy and Belief is taught independently of History and Geography. Students will engage with a variety of new topics, including the journey of life, concepts of life after death, inspirational figures, sacred places, and an introduction to Sikhism.

Year 9 will cover 5 new topics, allowing students to delve deeper into critical issues such as prejudice and discrimination, Gandhi’s philosophy, Martin Luther King and the quest for equality, Buddhism, and new religious movements.

In Years 10 and 11, students continue their studies through Ethics which comprises the PB curriculum as well as Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE). These lessons are taught once a week alongside dedicated sessions at tutor time. Students will broaden their understanding by exploring how major world religions and non-religious perspectives approach key ethical topics. They will also examine how influential philosophers have impacted the world and how modern cinema reflects these philosophical ideas.

We look forward to guiding our students through their Philosophy and Belief learning journey at Somervale School! If you have any questions about our Philosophy & Belief curriculum, please feel free to contact me at eday@somervaleschool.com.