Humanities - History & Geography

All pupils have two 55-minute Humanities lessons each week. These are sometimes taught separately as History and Geography, but more often they are combined into immersive half-termly topics that help pupils gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. Through this approach, they explore how events and people from the past have shaped life today, and how human and physical environments interact.

History

The History curriculum is designed to inspire fascination with the past while developing pupils’ understanding of significant events and their impact on the present. Lessons combine knowledge acquisition with the development of historical skills. Pupils analyse primary and secondary sources, handle artefacts from the College’s extensive archive, and apply critical thinking to understand past societies and their influence on today.

Units of work cover a wide range of topics, including ancient civilisations such as Egypt, Rome, and the Vikings, as well as key periods in British history, including the Tudors, Victorians, and the Second World War. Museum visits, historical sites such as Hampton Court Palace, The British Museum, and the Imperial War Museum, and workshops led by visiting experts further enrich pupils’ understanding and enjoyment of history.

Geography

Geography units follow the National Curriculum programme of study but are adapted and extended to engage pupils’ interests. Lessons aim to spark curiosity about both local and global environments, examining the relationship between human activity and the natural world and considering how a balance can be achieved. Where possible, topics are supported by practical field studies to provide hands-on learning experiences. The overall aim is to inspire and excite pupils about the world they inhabit.