Humanities
Key Stage 3
The Year 7, the Learn to Learn curriculum contains substantial elements of Geography, History and RE, where content is delivered in themes such as Me and My World, Going Places and Living Spaces. Students are taught in mixed ability groups for 5 lessons each week to allow for a large element of project based work. Learning also takes place outside the classroom around the school site, in the local area and further afield.
The aims of the course are to:
- Offer a curriculum encompassing all learning styles and engaging all learners
- Develop an interactive curriculum where students are able to make links between subjects
- Promote team work
- Encourage an ethos of inclusion by developing cultural awareness and active citizenship
In Years 8 and 9, Geography, History and RE are compulsory and are taught by specialist subject teachers. Students are organised into two broad bands, which are then split into 3 ability sets. Currently, 2 periods each week are allocated to Geography and History, with RE having a single period.
In Geography, themes covered include ecosystems, e.g. rainforests, world population growth, energy issues, travel and tourism and natural hazards. Alongside these is a skills based unit which further develops key geographical skills.
In History, units of work are studied about British History, namely religious change, migration, relationships within the UK and persecution. Other units include Conflicts in the 20th and 21st Centuries, the Impact of the World Wars and the Holocaust.
In RE, the Wolverhampton Agreed Syllabus is followed. This has at its heart the study of Christianity alongside the other main faiths found within the city. Units include Judaism, Traditional Worship, Equality and Descrimination, Ultimate Questions and Community Relationships.
Key Stage 4
Social Studies is a compulsory course for all Students in Years 10 and 11. The AQA GCSE that is available to students meets the statutory requirements for both Citizenship and RE. The course gives our students the opportunity to investigate topical issues and to develop the way in which they express their points of view.
History and Geography are both available as an option at Key Stage 4. Students choosing History follow the Edexcel course, either to GCSE or Entry Levels.
Geography students follow the Edexcel B course, which covers a wide of aspects within the subject. Students have the opportunity to explore aspects of both the natural and manmade world. Key skills such as decision making and planning investigations are developed. Fieldwork is a necessary part of the course.
In addition, Travel and Tourism is offered as an option at Key Stage 4. This is a vocationally based BTec course leading to a First Diploma (equivalent to 4 GCSEs at grade C or above), or a First Certificate (equivalent to 2 GCSEs at grade C or above). Topics covered include UK Tourist Destinations and Customer Service Skills.
Post-16
History is offered as a post-16 course, the OCR syllabus is currently being delivered through to AS and A2 levels.
In addition, a Level 3 BTec course in Travel and Tourism is available in conjunction with Wednesfield High School. A single or double award is offered depending on the needs of individual students. A wide range of units is offered including European and Worldwide Destinations, Marketing and The Business of Travel and Tourism.