Curriculum
The Humanities department at Forest Hill School is a thriving faculty which covers three main subject areas – History, Geography and Religious Education. In the Humanities department we strive to engage and inspire students so that they have a deeper understanding of the world around them enabling them to become knowledgeable citizens and to have greater awareness of their own local community in an ever-changing global setting. The Humanities taught at Forest Hill School fully reflects the mix of cultures, religions and viewpoints of the students in our community. Students are given opportunities to be creative, discuss openly and reasonably and to improve their skills in reading, writing and communication and we are very proud of the confidence that we give students in terms of forming and voicing their own opinions.
Humanities
RE
Courses
KS3
Students begin Year 7 with a bridging unit related to work they have completed in their primary schools in Year 6. They then study an introduction to the six major world faiths covering founders, holy books and basic beliefs. Year 8 follows a thematic approach to the study of symbolism. Topics covered include pilgrimage, sacred space, religious clothing, stories and divine images. In Year 9 students are expected to take on more ‘meaty’ topics and study issues such as beliefs about life after death, morality, marriage, prejudice and discrimination and religion in the media.
KS4
All students in Year 10 and 11 sit a full course GCSE in RE at the end of Year 11 which is offered by the Welsh Board. The Year 10 course consists of a study of Christian philosophy and ethics. The Year 11 course consists of a systematic study of the faith of Islam.
KS5
RE is a very popular option at KS5, particularly in Year 13. The course is undertaken in one year and we currently have three full classes. Students undertake an in depth study of the faiths of Islam and Judaism. The course followed is the OCR AS / A2 in Religious Studies. Students should have gained a B grade at GCSE in order to gain entrance to the course
Geography
Courses
KS3
In year 7, students begin their focus of geography by looking at the school and its impact on the local area. Later we explore the theme as to what it is to be British and some physical geography as to where the best site for a reservoir should be.
Year 8 focuses on the debate of renewable vs non renewable energy sources, ecosystems and a study of a European country. Year 9 further develops themes and skills to include a study of world population, settlements, coping with natural disasters and the impacts of modern tourism.
KS4
GCSE students follow the OCR syllabus B course, covering physical and human themes. There are two pieces of coursework and exams at the end of both years 10 and 11.
History
Courses
KS3
Students in Year 7 .are taught about Historical concepts such as why and how do we study the past? The theme of the KS3 course is the way in which the use of power and the government of Britain changed between the years 1066-and the modern day. Students will develop a variety of thinking and learning skills and strategies, such as source analysis and causation throughout their studies.
KS4
History, although optional at KS4, is a very popular subject at Forest Hill School. We recruit a large percentage of the KS4 cohort each year. History is taught in mixed ability classes, and we have a proven track record of success at GCSE. We study OCR Modern World History, which includes International politics between the years 1919-39 as well as two depth studies on the USA 1919-41 and Britain 1900-18. Students will also complete a controlled assessment component, which is worth 25% of their total grade
KS5
History A Level is a popular choice for students at Forest Hill School. As a subject we recruit not only from Forest Hill, but also external students who choose to continue their post 16 education in this subject. We currently recruit two groups at both AS/A2. The History A Level course has maintained an excellent record of achievement in recent years, and continues to aspire students to higher levels of education. We study the EDEXCEL A Level course and our components prove a popular choice for students