About the Faculty
The Humanities Faculty deliver a variety of courses at all Key Stages. Humanities covers three main subjects – history, geography and religious education. The faculty has dedicated teaching staff, who work in inviting teaching spaces and are committed to delivering excellent learning for all students.
Humanities Assessment And Marking Policy
Humanities Assessment Plan - Autumn Term 1
Humanities Assessment Plan - Autumn Term 2
Humanities Assessment Plan - Spring Term 1
Humanities Assessment Plan - Spring Term 2
Humanities Assessment Plan - Summer Term 1
Humanities Assessment Plan - Summer Term 2
Years 7 to 9 – Key Stage 3
Humanities at Key Stage 3 is delivered across the three subject areas of History, Geography and Religious Education. In Years 7 and 8 students are taught the three subjects, usually by one teacher, on a rotational basis, each unit of work lasting approximately one half term. The topics covered are:
| History | Geography | RE | |
| Year 7 | History of Belper School
Battle of Hastings Crusades Medieval Life Tudor England The Civil War |
Map skills
Dynamic Earth – Structure of the Earth, Earthquakes and Volcanoes |
Belonging
Creation and Mankind |
| Year 8 |
British Empire, sugar and slavery The Industrial Revolution and Belper Migration through time The struggle for equal rights for woman and minorities |
Rivers, Floods and Droughts
Extreme Environments – Polar areas and tropical rainforests |
Unit 1 – Christianity
Unit 2 – Judaism |
In Year 9 the three subjects are taught separately by subject specialists and the following topics covered:
| History | Geography | RE | |
| Year 9 | World War One
Rise of the Nazis World War Two The persecution of Jews What caused the 9/11 attacks |
Enquiry Skills
Tourism Development Climate Change |
Issues of Life and Death
Issues of Human Relationships |
Within the two week timetable there are six lessons of Humanities timetabled in Years 7 and 8 and two lessons each of History, Geography and RE in Year 9. All lessons are taught in mixed ability tutor groups throughout Years 7 – 9.
Across the subjects knowledge of the content of the topics is developed and there is a commonality of approach in developing a greater understanding through analysis and evaluation. A variety of teaching methods are used in order to broaden the learning experience and to accommodate different learning styles. Students’ progress is regularly assessed, roughly on a half termly basis. The style of assessment varies from summative tests to creative letter writing and topic based leaflets evaluating an issue. These assessments allow staff to give feedback to students on how to improve.
Homework is regularly set. On average this will be once a week and may take a variety of forms from additional research to some creative writing or a written response to an issue. Tasks may vary in length but on average will be 30 minutes per week.
Learning is aided by a variety of resources including textbooks, PowerPoints, worksheets and DVD’s, along with websites like BBC Bitesize, which students are encouraged to access.
Years 10 to 11 – Key Stage 4
Please click one of the subjects below for more information.
Optional Subjects:
The course offers the opportunity to explore a range of human and physical topics and the issues which arise.
The subject content is divided into the following units:
- Changing Places – Changing Economies (urban and rural processes, urbanisation and development issues).
- Changing Environments (coasts, rivers, weather and climate and climate change).
- Environmental Challenges (ecosystems, water resources and management and desertification).
The syllabus has been chosen to help our students explore people and their environment as well as contemporary events and issues which are relevant locally, nationally and globally. It will help students to understand their environment and community.
Students who are interested in decision-making and empathy work will enjoy exploring and solving complex social and environmental issues as well as gaining an understanding of how they shape the world along with natural processes.
The course is assessed in the following way:
Examinations 
Three written exam papers to be taken at the end of Year 11.
- Component 1: Investigating Geographical Issues
- Component 2: Problem Solving Geography
- Component 3: Applied Fieldwork Enquiry
An exciting course encourages learners to become curious, develop their own opinions based on a respect for evidence and build a deeper understanding of the past.
The course will include 5 elements:
1) The People’s Health c1250 to Present
The study will allow learners to understand the most significant characteristics of different ages and make comparisons between different periods of history.
2) The Norman Conquest 1065 – 1087
Identify and describe the main features of late Anglo-Saxon and early Norman England and should develop an understanding of the diverse lives and experiences of Saxons and Normans during this time point in English History.
3) History Around Us
this will be a study of Lincoln Castle. The study should enable learners to understand how the physical features if the site 
and other supporting sources inform understanding of historical events and developments.
4) The Making of America 1789 – 1900
The period studied follows the unfolding narrative of Making of America from the inaugurate of the first President in 1789 to the end of the 19th Century when the USA was set to become the world’s dominant power.
5) Living under Nazi Rule 1933 – 1945
This in-depth study should enable learners to understand the impact of the Nazi dictatorship on people’s lives, both within Germany and across occupied Europe. Looking at the political, social, racial and cultural forces at work in these societies.
How can history help my future?
History will teach you skills that can be applied to all sorts of situations. Employers will know that you will have a better understanding of how people tick, what motivates them, what they think and feel, you are able to gather and read different kinds of information and can check for bias or propaganda, you are able to communicate clearly and have learned to express yourself verbally and on paper. History can give you skills most employers want – whatever the job you have in mind.
Examinations
Three exams at the end of Year 11, no coursework or controlled assessment.
Examination Board: OCR
Course Code: J4111
GCSE Religious Studies, Philosophy and Ethical Issues
This GCSE course aims to get you thinking about yourself and to ask questions about the nature of society and culture and the meaning of life, as well as looking at different religious beliefs in the 21st Century.
Philosophy and Ethics of Religion is made up of 3 components:
- Religion – students are given the opportunity to explore the beliefs, practices and teachings from the Christian and Jewish faiths and their importance in the 21st century
- Philosophical exploration of the concept of God and the world and scientific reasons for rejecting them, Focusing on topics of Good and Evil and Life after Death
- Ethical issues, Secular and Religious Perspectives on Relationships and Human Rights
Students look at a range of philosophical and ethical issues that are relevant to life in the 21st century. It is a course that will cause you to think sensitively about current issues and challenge your intellect as well as help you to develop a wide range of skills which will put you at an advantage whatever you choose to do Post-16.
Student comments about Philosophy and Ethics:
‘Philosophy and Ethics is great for debating and discussing issues. ’
‘Philosophy and Ethics has a wide variety of interesting topics to learn about.’
‘It’s always a fun lesson and you talk about great topics.’
Coursework
There is no coursework element. This course is externally assessed by four examination papers.
Examinations
Component 1: 2 hours – Philosophy and Ethics
Component 2: 1 hour – Christianity
Component 3: 1 hours – Judaism
Examination Board: Eduqas
Years 12 to 13 – Sixth Form
Please click one of the subjects below for more information.
Geography
Government and Politics
History
A Level Economics
BTEC National Diploma Health and Social Care
A Level Psychology
A Level Sociology
Course Specification link: www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce-geography-h081-h481-from-2016/
“Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future” Michael Palin
Geography provides an opportunity to develop an understanding of the relationship between people and the natural environment. How we affect our planet and how our planet affects us.
Topics include; Physical Systems (Coastal Landscapes, the Carbon Cycle and the Water Cycle), Human Interactions (Global Connections and Changing Spaces) and Geographical Debates, plus an Independent Investigation where students choose an area of interest. This will involve learning essential theory and applying skills to a variety of environments on different scales. Particular importance and emphasis is placed upon the relationships between people and the natural world.
Fieldwork forms an essential part of the course and as a result there are 4 compulsory fieldwork days for students to participate in. These days provide essential experience both for the exams and the individual enquiry.
Are you interested in
– The physical world around you
– The challenges to the environment
– Understanding other cultures
– Active research
– A subject which blends with the Arts and Sciences.
Leading to a career in
– Travel and Tourism
– Local Government and Planning
– Environmental Management
– Cartography and Meteorology
and many others…….
Subject Entry Criteria
GCSE Grade 5 in Geography
Course Specification link:http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/politics-2017.html
In the first year of the course, you will study two modules. The first one focuses on People and Politics. It studies how political processes directly affect people’s lives. You will assess the failings of our system and the politicians that operate it. There will also be a focus on how politics needs to appeal more to the public and become more responsive to our needs. The second unit focuses on how the UK is governed and those that make the decisions. This includes the law courts, royalty and parliament.
You will also study politics in the USA. It will focus on recent developments in the American political system including the election of Donald Trump and the changes he has made. You will study the political system of the USA and how it operates. You will focus on the power of the President and the relationship between federal government and the states. The course will be up to date with all recent developments in the USA.
You will also study the three traditional political ideas of conservatism, liberalism and socialism. You will learn about the core ideas and principles and how they apply in practice to human nature, the state, society and the economy, the divisions within each idea and their key thinkers. You will also study one non-core political idea.
Are you interested in
– Current Affairs
– Decision Making
– Debate
– Discussion
– Society
– People
Leading to a career in
– Politics
– Law
– Media
– Education
– Journalism
Subject Entry Criteria
GCSE History, English Language or Literature Grade 5
‘The ballot is stronger than the bullet’
Abraham Lincoln
Course Specification link: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce-history-a-h105-h505-from-2015/
The A Level History course is assessed through three written examinations and a piece of coursework.
Year 12 covers a British period study and enquiry that covers Edward VI Mary I and Elizabeth I, this involves analysing sources and writing essays. There is also a Non-British period study which covers Russia between 1894-1941 and includes studying the tsar, the Russian Revolutions, the civil war and Stalin.
In Year 13 students will study Popular Culture and the Witch-craze of the 16th and 17th centuries or civil rights in the USA 1865-1992, this course is an interpretations course and looks at the different opinions of historians. Students will also produce a piece of coursework where they will pick a topic/issue of their choice.
Are you interested in
- Discussion
- Research
- Controversy
- Thinking
- The Past
Leading to a career in
- Law
- Education
- Media
- Business
- Politics
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Interior Design
- Finance
- Journalism
Subject Entry Criteria
GCSE History Grade 5
‘History is who we are and why we are the way we are.’‘History: Gossip well told.’
Elbert Hubbard
David McCullough
‘History gives answers only to those who know how to ask questions.’
Hajo Holborn
Exam Board: OCR
The course covers a range of issues such as unemployment, economic growth, inflation, poverty, wage rates, environment, international trade, ‘BREXIT’, global warming,… if you are interested in current affairs and global issues this may be for you!
The Economics specification has been designed to allow students to:
Students will study topics which raise questions such as:
Should Britain remain in the EU?
Should we tax sugary drinks/food?
Should welfare benefits be reduced?
Can we justify premiership footballers earning so much when nurses get paid so little?
How can we compete against countries such as India and China?
Will I ever be able to afford a mortgage?
Should state pensions be abolished?
Why is poverty an economic problem?
….apart from the interest and fun factor, economics graduates are very employable and earn higher incomes than graduates from most other subject areas!
The A’ level qualification consists of 3 units:
Microeconomics – 2 hour paper
Macroeconomics – 2 hour paper
Themes in Economics – 2 hour synoptic paper
Leading to careers in
Management, finance, investment, politics, business, industry, environment and more.
BTEC National Extended Certificate Health and Social Care (from 2018-9)
Course Specification link: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-nationals/health-and-social-care-2016.html#tab-1
BTEC National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care will give students the opportunity to understand how the UK cares for different groups. They will learn about different needs based on specific disabilities. Students will also learn about different influences on people’s behaviour and how our behaviour is affected throughout our lives. Students will have an opportunity to spend time in a local caring organisation so they can experience theory being put into practice.
Are you interested in:
- Understanding more about our welfare system
- Learning about what influences our behaviour and development
- Developing your knowledge of different disabilities and how they affect the lives of individuals
Leading to a career in:
- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Caring for the elderly or people with special needs
- Social Work
- Nursery Nursing
- Counselling
Subject Entry Criteria
GCSE English Language or Literature Grade 5+
A Level Psychology
Course Specification link: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce/psychology-h167-h567-from-2015/
Psychology is one of the fastest growing university subjects and it is an ideal platform to a wide range of
careers. The course involves active learning and opportunities to conduct your own research.
The course is made up of three units:
- 01 – Research Methods (2 hour examination, 30% of A Level) Students learn about the core psychological methods and have the opportunity to conduct their own primary research.
- 02 – Psychological Themes Through Core Studies (2 hour examination, 35% of A Level) Students are introduced to the central areas within psychology and study both a classic and contemporary piece of research. Themes of study include; attention, regions of the brain, responses to people in authority, memory and moral development.
- 03 – Applied Psychology (2 hour examination, 35% of A Level) Students study issues in mental health, child psychology and criminal psychology in greater depth in order to develop a greater understanding of key developments in these fields.
Are you interested in:
- The changing treatment of the mentally ill
- Why people turn to crime?
- How the brain functions
- What makes us obey someone in authority?
- Why we ‘remember’ things that did not happen?
Leading to a career in
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Police
- Research
- Education
- Healthcare
Subject Entry Criteria
GCSE Maths and English Language or Literature Grade 5
Course Specification link: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/as-and-a-level/sociology-7191-7192
Sociology examines the structure of society. It looks at how society is organised and works through different social institutions. It also examines the different theoretical approaches to these. The examination is split into three papers focusing on different subject matter.
- Paper one – Education with theory and methods
- Paper two – Families and Households and Stratification and Differentiation
- Paper three – Crime and Deviance with theory and methods
You will be required to carry out research and analyse your findings.
Are you interested in:
- What is happening in society?
- Equality and diversity?
- Crime and its causes?
- Changing role of women?
- Carrying out research?
- Changes in the education system?
These are some of the things you will be studying.
Leading to a career in:
This can lead to many different careers including teaching and many public service jobs including the police and emergency services.
Subject Entry Criteria
GCSE English Language or Literature Grade 5