Term 1 News from the Humanities Faculty

The start of a new academic year is always a busy and exciting time. This term the Faculty would like to spotlight some of the experiences that our students have had the opportunity to engage in. 

In Geography, Year 8 students have been taking part in a volcano model competition as part of their topic on natural disasters. They were challenged to design or create a model using materials of their choice — from paper, cardboard, wood, tin foil, to even cake! The entries have been nothing short of spectacular, with some students even managing to produce realistic erupting volcano effects. Well done to everyone who entered. Due to the high number of entries final judging is still taking place, but with so many imaginative and high-quality models, the teachers are going to have a hard time choosing the winners.  

On Friday 25th September, our Year 11 RS students enjoyed a fantastic day of learning beyond the classroom with visits to Southwark Cathedral and The Clink Prison Museum in London. At Southwark Cathedral, students took part in a guided tour, discovering the fascinating history of the Cathedral and exploring the meaning behind its Christian symbolism. This was followed by a thought-provoking Q&A session with Dean Michael, where students asked some excellent questions and deepened their understanding of Christian beliefs and practices. The learning continued at The Clink, where students stepped back in time to explore the history of one of England’s most infamous prisons and discover how approaches to crime and punishment have changed over time. The visit provided valuable links to their Crime and Punishment topic. 

As part of Black History Month, students in History have been exploring the experiences, achievements and contributions of Black people throughout history. They have had the opportunity to discover important individuals, consider the challenges faced by Black communities, and reflect on their impact on Britain and the wider world. This has encouraged students to look beyond the traditional historical narrative and develop a broader and more diverse understanding of the past. 

Finally, Year 12 and Year 13 Criminology students had the opportunity to take part in a virtual university taster session exploring the question, ‘Is prison an effective form of punishment?’ The session encouraged students to think critically about the purpose and effectiveness of imprisonment, considering different perspectives on punishment, rehabilitation and reducing reoffending. It was a valuable opportunity for students to extend their learning beyond the classroom, make links to their Criminology studies and experience the type of issues and debates they could explore further at university. 

We’re proud of our students for their enthusiasm, dedication, and creativity, and we can’t wait to see what the next term brings!