Humanities
The Humanities curriculum includes the subject disciplines of Geography, History and Religious Education. Through their study of these disciplines, students will develop knowledge and understanding about people and the world. The Humanities explore the relationship between our physical, external environment and our personal, internal world.
In years 7 and 8 students study the three Humanities disciplines:
In Geography, the students will explore how their lives are linked to others both locally and globally. They will study physical locations which contrast with Brackley and understand how people live there. The curriculum also asks students to look at how places and peoples have changed over time, alongside challenges for the future of the planet and humankind.
The History curriculum provides students with an overview of British history from 1066 to the present day. Students will analyse what historical sources tell us about life at different points in history; how power, politics, exploration, trade, science and society have shaped the world today. The knowledge gained here supports students in making links across their learning now and in the future.
Through the RE curriculum, students study the 6 major religions of the world and reflect on the impact that religion has on everyday life for people in Britain today. Students will learn about people inspired by faith, and how they change the world in which we live.
In Years 9, 10 & 11 students continue to study RE as part of their core curriculum. The vast majority of students continue to study at least one of Geography or History.
In RE our curriculum focuses on the beliefs, teachings and practices of two major religions: Judaism and Christianity, in addition to the exploration of four contemporary ethical themes: peace & conflict; human rights & social justice; religion & life, and crime & punishment. Students are challenged with questions about belief, values, meaning, purpose and truth, enabling them to develop their own attitudes towards religious issues.
Students of Geography will develop their knowledge of both physical and human geography. They will learn about a range of different physical environments and develop their fieldwork skills in two contrasting locations. Human aspects of the curriculum consider the challenges for survival in different environments and threats to the future of society and the planet.
The History curriculum looks over 1000 years at changing attitudes and practices about Crime and Punishment. This study teaches students to make comparisons between events over time, and to consider specific case studies, such as Whitechapel in the late nineteenth century, within a longer span of time. The curriculum also explores specific shorter periods of History in more detail where students learn about individuals and countries gaining, sustaining, using, abusing and losing power.
Each Humanities subject discipline is offered as an A Level course in the Sixth Form. As in other faculties, the content of the curriculum is more challenging and specialised at A Level.
Geography students will continue to learn about both human and physical elements of the curriculum, developing their understanding across eight specific areas: Tectonic Processes and Hazards; The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity; The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security; Coastal Landscapes and Change; Globalisation; Superpowers; Regenerating Places and Diverse Places, and Health, Human Rights and Intervention. There is a focus throughout on contemporary issues and students will make links across all aspects of their learning. An individual investigation asks students to apply their learning to a particular area and to complete their own fieldwork research.
The History curriculum again covers a number of specific periods and themes: The Crusades; The Tudor crisis, and The Witchcraze. Common to each of these periods is the impact of society, religion, power and politics. Students will read widely and analyse a range of primary and secondary sources. An individual research project leads to a ‘topic essay’ where each student applies their historical understanding and skills to an area of their choice.
Our RE subject discipline focuses on ‘Philosophy & Ethics’ in the Sixth Form. Students will learn about two main areas: philosophical questions raised by religion and belief, and a systematic study of Christianity. The curriculum explores the work of key thinkers to address arguments regarding the existence or non-existence of God, the nature and influence of religious experience, and the problems of evil and suffering. When looking at Christianity the curriculum includes religious beliefs, values, teachings and practices that shape religious identity, as well as sources of wisdom and authority; and, the ways in which religious traditions have developed over time, and how religious responses have changed in the face of challenges and contemporary social issues.
