Humanities
Our vision…
The Chilwell school humanities faculty exists to provide an environment of learning that promotes knowledge, understanding, respect, appreciation, tolerance and an inquisitive attitude towards aspects of history, geography and religious education; allowing every child to explore issues from the past of life, belief, culture and spirituality in a safe place.
We aim to achieve this through creative learning experiences that allow all students to achieve their full potential. To ensure that pupils emerge as world citizens that value differences and similarities and who appreciate that the mistakes of the past can be learnt from to build a brighter future; that a deeper appreciation of how our environment interacts with us and how it can influence the human condition can lead to better lives; and that through developing open minds and critical thinking skills and empathy with others we can develop a better understanding of our place in the world.
Subject Areas
- Geography
- History
- Religious education
- Sociology
- Psychology
Our teaching of Religious Education follows the guidance given in the latest agreed syllabus for Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire:-
Religious Education for All
The Agreed Syllabus for RE in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire
2021-2026
Using this agreed syllabus for religious education, we will enable our pupils to discover more about religion as well as other world views as we assist them to apply their learning to a range of topics. Our pupils are encouraged to express ideas and insights into key questions which face all human beings as we travel through life. They will take part in lessons, and could also receive visitors to school sharing a range of religious viewpoints and undertake their own visits to varied places of worship, Covid permitting.
Through these experiences they will gain insights and knowledge to help equip them as responsible citizens, ready to contribute positively to our society and the wider world.
The three-fold aims of RE in Nottingham City and the County will ensure that our pupils:
- Know and understand a range of religions and world views which will allow them to recognise the diversity which exists in our city and wider society.
- Can express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and the impact of religions and world views as they develop their own personal views on a range of issues
- Develop and use skills which will assist them to engage seriously with religions and world views
By following the agreed syllabus, RE will also contribute to a whole range of school priorities. Study of religious and world views will also promote spiritual, cultural, social and moral development, and will support pupils’ understanding of British values such as acceptance and respect for others who hold different world views.
If you would like to know more about the agreed syllabus a copy can be made available for you to read in school. Please contact Valerie.jones@nottscc.gov.uk for more information
Year seven geography
Course overview
Pupils will use enquiry questions to explore the issues around, for example, what are plate tectonics and how do rivers erode? Students will also study skill based topics such as the geography of the local area and the UK as well as mapping and skills such as coordinates, heights and scale. These topics will enable pupils to develop skills such as explanation, evaluation and analysis as well as independent learning and investigative skills.
Useful information
In order to aid your child's progress in year seven, you could encourage them to regularly watch the news and find out about things that are happening both locally, such as the Nottingham tram and in different countries around the world. They could read the "Horrible Geography" series of books or look into the school library. Similarly wildlife programmes and documentaries often contain lots of geographical information even though the programme’s about wildlife etc.
Year seven history
Course overview
Pupils will study a variety of topics that will test an array of academic skills. Students will focus on the Roman and Norman conquests of Britain. They will look at how these invasions impacted upon everyday life. The chronological journey will then continue to look at the Reformation and the heroes and villains of the Stuart age. Change and continuity skills will be developed together with source evaluation and synthesis.
Useful information
Websites such as BBC Bitesize will contain useful information that will complement the topics. The Horrible Histories series also offer a wide variety of interesting and entertaining insights into many of the topics that will be studied throughout the year. Also visits to historical castles such as those at Newark and Lincoln provide a valuable and accessible experience.
Year seven religious education
Course overview
Pupils will use enquiry questions to explore issues around philosophy and ethics, for example; What is religion? Why are festivals so important? Why believe in God? How do we function within a community? Finally, where can we find wisdom to live by? They will enable pupils to develop skills such as explanation, evaluation and analysis as well as independent learning and investigative skills.
Useful information
Websites such as BBC Bitesize will contain useful information that will complement the topics. However, one of the most useful activities for pupils is to discuss the various subjects with other people, especially older people, as this helps them to understand a broad range of opinions.
Year eight geography
Course overview
The year eight course tries to achieve a balance between both physical and human geography. It looks at coasts and both physical processes and human management of them and how coastal management brings both problems and benefits. Two further units of study look at conflicts brought about by the need for resources. They include environments at risk (Amazon rainforest deforestation) and China and the environmental impacts of its rapid growth. Students also get opportunity to develop their geographical skills throughout the different units.
Useful information
In order to aid your child's progress in year eight, you could encourage them to regularly watch the news and find out about things that are happening both locally, such as the Nottingham tram development and in different countries around the world. They could read the Horrible Geography series of books or look at the humanities reading list. Similarly wildlife programmes and documentaries often contain lots of geographical information even though the programmes about wildlife etc.
Year eight history
Course overview
Pupils will study economic and social change during the Industrial Revolution. Furthermore, there is a unit dedicated to understanding the impact of the British Empire with specific foci on slavery .They will consider the role of the second world war in forming Europe, evaluate the generalisations of the Holocaust and consider the differences between a terrorist and a freedom fighter. Whilst studying these topics, students will be assessed upon key skills such as interpretation and analysis.
Useful information
Websites such as BBC Bitesize will contain useful information that will complement the topics. The Horrible Histories series also offer a wide variety of interesting and entertaining insights into many of the topics that will be studied throughout the year. Also visits to historical sites such as Southwell Workhouse or Quarry Bank Mill provide a valuable and accessible experience of History first hand to build upon their understanding of the Industrial Revolution. However, one of the most useful activities for pupils is to discuss the various subjects with other people, especially older people, as this helps them to understand a broad range of opinions.
Year eight religious education
Course overview
Year eight pupils develop an increased desire to explore the big questions of life. Using a series of enquiry questions that are based upon life issues, they will have the opportunity to use and develop their ability to describe, explain, reason, evaluate and analyse. Pupils will discuss questions such as; "Should we care for the environment?", "What happens when we die?" and "Is science and religion compatible?"
Useful information
Websites such as BBC Bitesize will contain useful information that will complement the topics. However, one of the most useful activities for pupils is to discuss the various subjects with other people, especially older people, as this helps them to understand a broad range of opinions.
Year nine geography
Course Overview
The year nine course tries to achieve a balance between both physical and human geography. It looks at the rise of globalisation and its impacts on both rich and poor countries. There is a study of the threats to the world, both natural and human such as diseases and super volcanoes. A further unit of study looks at cities of contrasts from both the developed and developing world. Finally in the spring and summer terms year nine cover tectonics and weather hazards.
Useful information
In order to aid your child's progress in year nine and inform their options choices, you could encourage them to regularly watch the news and find out about things that are happening both locally. They could read the Horrible Geography series of books or look in the school library. Similarly wildlife programmes and documentaries often contain lots of geographical information relevant to the units covered. However, one of the most useful activities for pupils is to discuss the various subjects with other people, especially older people, as this helps them to understand a broad range of ideas, experiences and opinions.
Year nine history
Course overview
Pupils will focus upon the key topics that will help with the transition to GCSE. They will consider the changing role of medicine from the prehistoric age through to the Romans. There will also be an in depth study into the impact of the first world war on Europe, including a specific focus on medical treatment of injuries which also forms part of the GCSE specification. Issues that feature in the news today such as immigration and sexism, will also be considered within their historical context. Whilst studying these topics, students will be assessed upon key skills such as interpretation and analysis.
Useful information
Websites such as BBC Bitesize contain useful information that complement the topics being studied throughout the year. The Horrible Histories series also offers a wide variety of interesting and entertaining insights. However, one of the most useful activities for pupils is to discuss the various subjects with other people, especially older people, as this helps them to understand a broad range of opinions.
Year nine religious education
Course overview
The course explores some of the big questions of important ethical issues. From an understanding of morality and how moral decisions are made, pupils will investigate prejudice and discrimination, peace and conflict. During the summer term pupils will be introduced to issues relating to crime and punishment. This will enable students to evaluate moral issues, and religious beliefs around crime and punishment. The course provides pupils with the forum to debate, explain, evaluate and analyse as well as investigating their own opinions and beliefs.
Useful information
A useful way to develop an understanding of opinions is to involve pupils in discussions with other people, family members, friends etc. Also TV programmes such as Question Time and The Big Question provide exposure to a variety of opinions on moral issues.
Year ten geography
Exam board : www.aqa.org.uk
Specification : 8035
Final assessment: 100% External Examination, comprising of three exam papers (Paper one - 35%, Paper 2 - 35% and Paper 3 - 30%).
Course overview
This course studies geography in a balanced framework of physical and human themes and investigates the link between them. Pupils will travel the world from their classroom, exploring case studies in the United Kingdom (UK), higher income countries (HICs), newly emerging economies (NEEs) and lower income countries (LICs). Topics of study include climate change, poverty, deprivation, global shifts in economic power and the challenge of sustainable resource use. Pupils will also be encouraged to understand their role in society, by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes.
Year 10
Autumn Term
- Weather in the UK
- Climate change
- Ecosystems: tropical rainforests / cold environments
Spring Term
- Coasts and Rivers
Summer Term
- Urban Issues
- Field Trip to Peak District and Birmingham
Internal Assessment
Pupils will be formally assessed at the end of each topic. Pupils will sit a GCSE style paper as part of the end of year ten examinations.
Year ten health and social care
Exam Board : www.ocr.org.uk
Specification: J811
Final assessment: The course is divided into four units, two in each year. Three of the units are assessed by assignments and one by an external exam.
Course overview
OCR Cambridge Nationals in health and social care has been designed to meet the needs of learners from the age of 14 years. This is a vocationally-related qualification that takes an engaging, practical and inspiring approach to learning and assessment. The Cambridge Nationals in health and social care will equip pupils with a sound, specialist knowledge along with skills for everyday use.
Unit 1
The essential values of care for use with individuals in care settings. This unit is assessed by an external short and long question exam.
It explores:
- The range of care needs of major client groups
- The ways people can obtain services and the possible barriers that could prevent people from gaining access to services
- The principles of care that underpin all care work
Unit 2
Communicating and working with individuals in health, social care and early years settings. This unit is assessed by a written assignment.
It explores:
- The roles and skills of people who provide health, social care and early years services
Year ten history
Exam board: https://qualifications.pearson.com
Specification: 1HI0
Final assessment: 100% external examination, comprising of three exam papers (paper 1 - 30%, paper 2 - 40% and paper 3 - 30%).
Year ten course overview
Pupils will study four historical topics – medicine through time, Henry VIII, the Cold War and Germany. Each exam paper focuses on a specific topic and associated skills.
Paper one : Thematic study with historic environment (30% - 1hr 15)
This will look at the medicine through time with a focus on medicine on the Western Front
Paper two: Depth Study and period study (40% - 1hr 45)
Depth study will focus on Henry VIII and the period study will focus on the Cold War
Paper three : Modern depth study (30% - 1hr 20)
This will focus on Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918-39.
Autumn term Medicine through time
- Religions influence on medicine in the Medieval world.
- Why was everyone smelly during the Medieval period?
- The development of knowledge during the Renaissance - technological advances in anatomy and surgery.
- Jenner's discovery and its significance.
Spring term Medicine through time (cont.)
- The discovery of antibiotics
- Pasteur and the development of the germ theory of disease
- The development of hospitals and caring for the ill
- Developments in anaesthetics and antiseptics, including the work of Simpson and Lister
- Modern surgery, transplanting organs and plastic surgery.
- The introduction and impact of the National Health Service
Summer term Henry VIII
- Why did Henry become King?
- What role did Wolsey play in Domestic Policy?
- Why did Henry break from Rome?
- Who was Thomas Cromwell and what impact did he have on the monasteries?
- How Protestant was England by 1540?
Internal assessment
Pupils will be formally assessed at the end of each topic. Pupils will sit a GCSE style paper as part of the end of year ten examinations.
Year ten religious education
Exam board : www.aqa.org.uk
Specification : 8062A
Final assessment : 100% external examination
Year ten course overview
Pupils will study the AQA full course qualification. The course deals with the big issues of life as well as focusing on two modules that are specific to Christianity and Islam. The thematic units are studied for the second part of the specification which include topics such as, relationship and families, life issues such as abortion and euthanasia, peace and conflict as well as crime and punishment.
The key skills of the course focus around an ability to argue, debate, reason, investigate, conclude etc. Higher grades are achieved through a clear demonstration of an understanding of the issues involved, and an application of belief and teachings to support the arguments being made with strong analysis and evaluation of those arguments. Time is given for a thorough exploration of the subjects and an understanding of all sides of the debate are provided allowing for an individual opinion to be achieved where necessary and appropriate.
There is no course work for this specification and as such the assessment will consist of two exams, one for each module. Each exam consists of questions from the two specific religions studied as well as four sets of questions from the four thematic ethical topics studied. The exam is one hour and forty five minutes in duration. Pupils are also awarded up to three extra marks for accuracy in spelling, punctuation and grammar on the twelve mark evaluative questions.
Autumn term
Crime and punishment
Spring term
Christian beliefs and teachings
Summer term
Religion and life
Internal Assessment
Pupils will be formally assessed at the end of each topic. Pupils will sit a GCSE style paper as part of the end of year ten examinations.
Year ten sociology
Exam Board : www.aqa.org.uk
Specification : 8192
Final Assessment : Pupils are assessed through two written exam papers, Paper 1 : The sociology of families and education (50%) and paper 2 : The sociology of crime and deviance and social stratification (50%)
Course Overview
The GCSE Sociology course helps pupils to gain knowledge and understanding of key social structures, processes and issues through the study of families, education, crime and deviance and social stratification.
Pupils will develop their analytical, assimilation and communication skills by comparing and contrasting perspectives on a variety of social issues, constructing reasoned arguments, making substantiated judgements and drawing reasoned conclusions.
Autumn Term
Sociological Approach
Spring Term
Sociological Research methods
Summer Term
Sociology of the Family
Internal Assessment
Pupils will be formally assessed throughout year ten. Pupils will sit a GCSE style paper as part of the end of year ten examinations.
Year eleven geography
Exam Board: www.aqa.org.uk
Specification: 8035
Final Assessment: 100% External Examination, comprising of three exam papers (Paper 1 - 35%, Paper 2 - 35% and Paper 3 - 30%).
Course Overview
This course studies geography in a balanced framework of physical and human themes and investigates the link between them. Pupils will travel the world from their classroom, exploring case studies in the United Kingdom (UK), higher income countries (HICs), newly emerging economies (NEEs) and lower income countries (LICs). Topics of study include climate change, poverty, deprivation, global shifts in economic power and the challenge of sustainable resource use. Pupils will also be encouraged to understand their role in society, by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes.
Autumn Term
- Urban issues and challenges
- Global cities
- Regenerating urban areas
Spring Term
- Sustainable cities
- Measuring development
Summer Term
- The changing economic world
- Economic futures
- Resource management
Year eleven health and social care
Exam Board : www.ocr.org.uk
Specification: J811
Final Assessment: The course is divided into four units, two in each year. Three of the units are assessed by assignments and one by an external exam.
Course Overview
OCR Cambridge Nationals in Health and Social Care has been designed to meet the needs of learners from the age of 14 years. This is a vocationally-related qualification that takes an engaging, practical and inspiring approach to learning and assessment. The Cambridge Nationals in Health and Social Care will equip pupils with a sound, specialist knowledge along with skills for everyday use.
Unit 3
Understanding body systems and disorders. This unit is assessed by a written assignment.
It explores:
-
The health and wellbeing of individuals
-
How to interpret physical measures of health
Unit 4
The stages and pattern of human growth and development. This unit is assessed by a written assignment.
It explores:
-
Understanding life stages
-
The different factors that can affect human growth and development
Year eleven history
Exam board : https://qualifications.pearson.com
Specification : 1HI0
Final assessment : 100% external examination, comprising of three exam papers (paper 1 - 30%, paper 2 - 40% and paper 3 - 30%).
Year eleven course overview
Pupils will study four historical topics – medicine through time, Henry VIII, the Cold War and Germany. Each exam paper focuses on a specific topic and associated skills.
Paper one : Thematic study with historic environment (30% - 1hr 15)
This will look at the medicine through time with a focus on medicine on the Western Front
Paper two: Depth study and period study (40% - 1hr 45)
Depth Study will focus on Henry VIII and the period study will focus on the Cold War
Paper three : Modern depth study (30% - 1hr 20)
This will focus on Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918-39.
Autumn term The Cold War
- Why was it a Cold War and not a hot war?
- Was the Cold War all about Communism vs Capitalism?
- How was Germany divided at the end of the war?
- How close did the world come to nuclear war?
- How did getting a man on the moon impact on relationships?
- What does salt have to do with keeping the world safe?
Spring term Germany
- What state was Germany in by the end of the war?
- Was Weimar doomed from the start?
- How did Hitler become chancellor in 1933?
- How did the Nazis control Germany?
- What was it like to live in Nazi Germany?
Summer term Revision and exam preparation.
Year eleven religious education
Exam board : www.aqa.org.uk
Specification : 8062A
Final assessment : 100% external examination
Year eleven course overview
Pupils will study the AQA full course qualification. The course deals with the big issues of life as well as focusing on two modules that are specific to Christianity and Islam. The thematic units are studied for the second part of the specification which include topics such as, relationship and families, life issues such as abortion and euthanasia, peace and conflict as well as crime and punishment.
The key skills of the course focus around an ability to argue, debate, reason, investigate, conclude etc. Higher grades are achieved through a clear demonstration of an understanding of the issues involved, and an application of belief and teachings to support the arguments being made with strong analysis and evaluation of those arguments. Time is given for a thorough exploration of the subjects and an understanding of all sides of the debate are provided allowing for an individual opinion to be achieved where necessary and appropriate.
There is no course work for this specification and as such the assessment will consist of two exams, one for each module. Each exam consists of questions from the two specific religions studied as well as four sets of questions from the four thematic ethical topics studied. The exam is one hour and forty five minutes in duration. Pupils are also awarded up to three extra marks for accuracy in spelling, punctuation and grammar on the 12 mark evaluative questions.
Autumn term
Religion and families
Spring term
Islam – practices
Summer term
Peace and conflict
Year eleven sociology
Sociology
Exam Board : www.aqa.org.uk
Specification : 8192
Final Assessment : Pupils are assessed through two written exam papers, Paper 1 : The sociology of families and education (50%) and paper 2 : The sociology of crime and deviance and social stratification (50%)
Course Overview
The GCSE Sociology course helps pupils to gain knowledge and understanding of key social structures, processes and issues through the study of families, education, crime and deviance and social stratification.
Pupils will develop their analytical, assimilation and communication skills by comparing and contrasting perspectives on a variety of social issues, constructing reasoned arguments, making substantiated judgements and drawing reasoned conclusions.
Autumn Term
Sociology of Education
Spring Term
Social stratification
Summer Term
Crime and Deviance