Intent Statement

The Humanities Department aims to challenge students to think critically about the world around them while developing the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive contribution to their community.

Staff Profile: Sam Higgins – Teacher

I have worked at Keyham Lodge School since 2014, initially joining as a Curriculum Teaching Assistant in PE. During my time at Keyham Lodge, I completed my teacher training and now teach across both the PE and Humanities departments. I am also part of the Teaching and Learning team.

Throughout my career at Keyham Lodge, I have been committed to fostering a love of learning in our students. I take great pride in supporting their development and have thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the progress they have made over time.

Curriculum Overview (Key Stages 3 and 4)

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3, students receive weekly Humanities lessons covering Geography, History, and Religious Studies. These subjects are delivered on a termly rotation. Students may be withdrawn from Religious Studies lessons upon parental request.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, students who choose Humanities as part of their pathway receive three lessons per week. Learning follows the National Curriculum and is delivered through creative, engaging, and well-planned activities designed to promote enthusiasm and progression.

Department Ethos and Approach

The Humanities Department is inclusive and continually evolves to meet the needs of all learners. Across both key stages, targeted interventions and support packages are implemented where appropriate.

Our primary aim is to create a positive learning environment that promotes participation, motivation, and engagement. Students are provided with a range of enrichment opportunities within lessons and through extracurricular activities.

Through Humanities, students develop a deeper understanding of the world and key historical events. We encourage critical thinking and aim to equip learners with the skills necessary to make informed and positive contributions to society.

Students also have regular opportunities to develop their speaking and listening skills through discussions, presentations, and speeches. Literacy skills are embedded throughout the curriculum, supporting both reading and extended writing. ICT is integrated across schemes of work to enhance creativity and technological competence.

Assessment takes a variety of forms, including presentations, speeches, extended writing, and formal tests. Students are encouraged to engage in both self-assessment and peer assessment to support their learning.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

The KS3 curriculum is designed to build foundational knowledge and skills in preparation for GCSE study, while also encouraging enjoyment and curiosity. It aims to broaden students’ cultural capital and understanding of the wider world through a connected and progressive learning journey.

Year 7

• Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest
• Cultures of the World
• Christianity and Islam

Year 8

• Major Events in the British Isles
• Physical Features of the World
• Christianity and Hinduism

Year 9

• The World Wars
• Human Geography
• Christianity and Judaism

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

At Key Stage 4, students can opt to study GCSE Geography or GCSE History.

• Geography (AQA):
  Students explore physical and human environments, as well as global development issues.
• History (OCR):
  Topics include the Cold War, Nazi Germany, and the transformation of power and democracy in Britain.

Humanities is an optional subject at Key Stage 4. Course availability may vary annually based on student preferences, cohort size, and individual pathways. In addition, Health and Social Care is offered as a core pathway, providing opportunities for vocational qualifications and practical experiences.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

Students can enrich their learning through a wide range of activities, including:

• Warwick Castle trip
• Guest speakers
• Museum visits (e.g. Imperial War Museum, National Portrait Gallery)
• Reading challenges
• Film club (linked to Humanities themes)
• Overseas residential trips
• Local and UK-based fieldwork
• Battlefield visits (e.g. Bosworth)
• Competitions
• Seaside trips linked to coastal management
• Cinema visits
• Alton Towers (tourism-focused learning)

 

Useful Websites

• AQA Geography: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035
• AQA History: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/history/gcse
• Cool Geography: www.coolgeography.com
• Ducksters (History for Kids): www.ducksters.com
• Channel 4 Learning: www.channel4learning.com
• BBC Bitesize: www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects

 

Withdrawal from Religious Education

Parents and carers have the legal right to withdraw their child from all or part of RE without giving a reason. Please contact the school if you wish to discuss this, and submit requests in writing to the school office. Withdrawn pupils will be supervised, though alternative teaching may not be provided.