Humanities (History, Personal Development, Religious, Cultural and Social Education).

Year Groups: 7 to 11 (mixed-age provision)

Curriculum Intent:

Our humanities curriculum explores the diversity of human experience across time, belief systems, and communities. It promotes understanding, empathy, and inclusion by focusing on personal identity, culture, history, and belief. The curriculum aligns with national awareness months and days to connect learners with current issues and lived experiences. Through enquiry and reflection, students develop the tools to be thoughtful, respectful citizens.

Annual Overview

Focus Areas:

Personal identity, community and belonging

Major world religions and spiritual beliefs

Human rights, protest and democracy

Diversity, inclusion, and social justice

Cultural heritage, historical change and continuity

Respect for beliefs, values and lifestyles

Key Skills:

Reflective thinking and empathy

Making connections across time, culture and belief

Research and information gathering

Critical thinking and questioning

Creative communication (verbal, written, visual)

Understanding and respecting different viewpoints

Main Outcomes:

Students understand their own identity and the identities of others

Students engage respectfully with differing beliefs and cultures

Students gain knowledge of key historical movements and their impact

Students explore moral and ethical issues through multiple perspectives

Students take part in projects and discussions related to national themes

Cross-Curricular Links

English: Non-fiction writing, reflective journals, historical fiction

Art: Identity and culture projects, posters and visual storytelling

PSHE: Respect, tolerance, relationships, mental health

Science: Ethical debates (e.g., climate change, medicine)

Life Skills: Citizenship, community, communication, activism

Differentiation & Support

Multi-sensory learning: videos, stories, visuals, and hands-on tasks

Scaffolded writing frames and vocabulary banks

Opportunities for oral responses and discussions

Group and paired tasks for peer support

Modified materials and visuals for EAL/SEND learners

Use of real-life stories, drama, and personal reflections

Resources Needed

Access to key awareness month calendars (e.g., Black History Month, Pride Month)

Religious artefacts, posters and storybooks

Documentary clips and accessible articles

Templates for posters, journals, and timelines

Guest speakers or recorded testimonies

Creative materials for displays and cultural celebrations

Although the whole school will be engaging with the same overarching themes and awareness events in Humanities, our curriculum is carefully differentiated to ensure that each year group accesses the content at an appropriate level. Learning objectives, tasks, and expectations are adapted to meet developmental stages and individual needs, allowing progression in knowledge, understanding, and critical thinking across

Years 7 to 11.