Intent
At Prospect School we are committed to ‘Raising aspirations, building futures’. At the core of this, is our commitment to ensuring students gain an understanding of their place in the world, what has gone before and what is yet to be. The Humanities department recognises that students are shaped in part by past, place and philosophy, and therefore teach these three subjects as one holistic curriculum. It aims to do this by following a ‘broad and balanced curriculum’ covering National Curriculum outcomes, while encompassing cultural capital, SMSC (social, spiritual, moral and cultural) development alongside the British values of knowledge of democracy and the rule of law.
Humanities is set into the chronological framework afforded by the study of History, Geography and World Studies, whichfocus on a variety of themes and subjects. This teaches students how to transfer skills which better prepares them for the world of work, where the ability to transfer skills isessential.
The Humanities curriculum aims to help students gain an understanding and knowledge of the world around them, historically, geographically and philosophically. All subjects seek to inspire curiosity and critical thinking and to teach our students how to analyse information and ideas, to enable them to reach well informed conclusions.
The content of the combined Humanities curriculum allows students to get involved in worldwide events and places from within the classroom setting. They create wonder and inspiration about the world and highlight its diverse nature, thus emphasising how we are a multicultural society who all work together in this world to exist.
Implementation
History
Our History curriculum offers an exciting journey through time, exploring key events and themes that have shaped the world we live in today. It is designed to inspire curiosity, foster critical thinking and cultivate a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of human history. Through engaging with diverse historical narratives, our students are equipped to navigate the complexities of the past and become active participants in shaping the future.
We aim to ignite a passion for the past and equip students with the knowledge and skills to become adept historians.
In Year 7, students delve into the early modern history of England, with a particular focus on the pivotal Battle of Hastings. This sets the stage for understanding how this period laid the foundations for the nation’s development.
Moving on to Year 8, our students embark on a fascinating exploration of the Tudor period, delving into the intricate details of this era. The journey continues through to examining aspects of slavery and the evolving concepts of crime and punishment during the Victorian era.
By Year 9, students are immersed in the conflicts of the twentieth century, including the World Wars, the Holocaust and the tension-filled Cold War. This period of history offers a wealth of opportunities for students to explore the complexities of global events and their far-reaching impacts.
Throughout their studies, students will engage with key historical themes such as causation and consequence, significance and change and continuity. These themes provide a framework for students to critically analyse and evaluate historical events and their implications on society.
Moreover, students will develop essential historical skills, including identifying significant events, making connections between different periods, drawing meaningful contrasts and analysing long-term trends. By understanding chronology and honing their critical thinking abilities, students will cultivate a deeper appreciation for the complexities of history.
As students progress into Years 10 and 11, they will continue to deepen their historical knowledge and skills as they work towards their qualifications. This period marks a crucial phase in their journey to becoming well-rounded historians, equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the past and its enduring impact on the present. Students in Key Stage 4 will have the opportunity to obtain a GCSE qualification.
Geography
In Key Stage 3 Geography, students will be encouraged to gain a better understanding of the local area of Havant and study some of the greatest geographical locations of the UK. In Year 8, students further develop an appreciation for the local area by studying rivers, coasts and living environments and will go on to develop skills using a map and compass and begin to understand social, environmental and economic impacts.
During Year 9, students will expand their studies beyond theUK and start to focus on the wider world and all its geographical wonders. This will include exciting topics such as volcanoes, rivers, oceans and natural disasters. During Years 10 and Year 11, students will work towards AQA awards, building on the previous knowledge they have gained in Geography. Students will also participate in fieldwork,where they will use their geographical knowledge in a practical setting in the local area.
World Studies
The World Studies curriculum focuses on beliefs and teachings from the six major faith religions. The curriculum follows the Hampshire “Living Difference Spiral Curriculum”, to ensure progression and challenge in their learning. This curriculum highlights the key themes within the religions of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism.
In Year 7, students are introduced to the golden thread teachings: belonging, community, love and special. They focus on Christianity, the largest religion in the UK, and Hinduism, one of the most unique religions in the world. They will study the key beliefs within the faiths and some of their many practices. Throughout Year 8 the students will deep diveinto the key beliefs of Islam.
During Years 9, Year 10 and Year 11, the students will be introduced to the ethical and moral aspects of World Studies. This will allow them to take an active part in debate and judgement about diverse, interesting topics. They will study different religious perspectives and discuss in detail the effectiveness of these judgements.
Impact
History
Our curriculum will help our students gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. It is designed to inspire students’ curiosity to know more about the past. Teaching should equip students to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments and develop perspective and judgement.
History helps our students to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.
Geography
Geography inspires our students with a curiosity and fascination about the world, that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. It will equip them with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. Our students will also learn about the formation and use of landscapes and environments. This will be in relation to their own experiences, both locally and nationally, and how it changes over time. Students will gain a wide range of geographical skills which will remain with them after school, for examplethe use of map reading, using a compass, and anunderstanding of different environments.
World Studies
Religion and beliefs inform our values and are reflected in what we say and how we behave. World Studies develops our students’ knowledge and understanding of the religions and beliefs which form part of the contemporary society we live in. World Studies provokes challenging questions helping our students to become better able to discern what is desirable for their own lives, as well as for the world we live in. It enables the development of an understanding of the wide variety of people, places and lifestyles and how we celebrate the differences we have.