The Humanities curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills and mindset that they need to become positive global citizens, not only during their time at WBVS but for their future beyond. 

We do this by developing inquisitive minds where students are encouraged to question events and theories and celebrate diversity in the past and present, which compliments the multicultural society we live in today. 

We study Geography, History and Religion and Citizenship (Year 7 only) at Key Stage 3 with RC themes in Years 8 and 9 being embedded through the Personal Development curriculum. Our broad and balanced curriculum is underpinned by a strong focus on developing literate learners who have strong communication skills and are resilient young people. 

Key Stage 4 offers Geography, History and Sociology. 

Geography 

As Geographers, students are taught about key global issues and geographical themes. They learn to apply skills which are essential for their journey through the Key Stage 3 and 4 curriculum. These skills include applying case study knowledge, interpreting information and data, analysing and solving problems and being able to evaluate resources. Issues are evaluated at on different scales to help develop students into diverse, respectful and tolerant global citizens. 

At Key Stage 4, we follow the Eduqas Geography B GCSE course, which covers a mixture of themes across physical, human and environmental Geography. The course also enables students to develop field work and problem-solving skills which are examined within the three papers at the end of year 11.  

History 

The History curriculum aims to equip students with powerful knowledge to make sense of the present.  By fostering a love of history, students will develop a curiosity to ask their own questions as well as developing key historical skills such as chronology and sequencing, the process of change and continuity, significance and critical analysis of events, sources and interpretations.  The curriculum integrates the analysis of scholarship and helps students to develop their ability to construct arguments and recognise the relevance of history today on their lives, our diverse society and the complexity of human nature. 

At Key Stage 4, we follow the AQA History course with two papers split into four key topics that each take focus on unique historical skills. Paper 1 consists of Germany 1890-1945 and Conflict and Tension: The Interwar Years 1918-1939. Paper 2 consists of Britain: Health and the People and Elizabethan England. 

Sociology 

At GCSE students can choose to take Sociology following the Eduqas exam board specification.  Sociology develops students ‘sociological imagination’, understanding the social world and our behaviour in it. Underpinned by key theoretical perspectives and methods, challenging student thinking and developing understanding about social processes and structures in society, how societies influence us and shape our lives.  

Students develop their opinions along with evaluative and critical skills. The course is 100% exam split into two papers. Paper 1 is made up of the topics of Key Concepts; Families, Education and Research Methods. Paper 2 focuses on Crime and Deviance, Social Stratification and Applied Research Methods. The course is a good foundation to lead onto studying A Level Sociology but also compliments a wide range of other A-Level choices that students may make. 

Religion and Citizenship (RC) 

In RC, we want to develop children’s knowledge and understanding of other faiths whilst respecting and appreciating alternative viewpoints. We recognise that the social, moral, spiritual and cultural diversity is of importance and should be celebrated. We want to encourage curiosity, tolerance and respect to a changing world around them.