Area of Learning and Experience: Humanities
Area of Learning and Experience Leader: Mr M. James
Vision for AoLE:
The Humanities Area of Learning and Experience seeks to awaken a sense of wonder, fire the imagination and inspire learners to grow in knowledge, understanding and wisdom. Humanities is central to learners becoming ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world.
Curriculum Areas within the AoLE:
Religion, Values and Ethics
History
Geography
Curriculum Information:
Key Stage Three – Years 7, 8 and 9
Religion, Values and Ethics
At KS3, students explore a range of religious, philosophical, and ethical themes to develop understanding and respect for different worldviews. In Year 7, they consider the question “What is religion?” and examine concepts of love from religious and secular perspectives. Year 8 focuses on the beliefs, practices, and traditions of Buddhism, Sikhism, and Hinduism, encouraging students to compare and contrast these faiths and their impact on individuals and communities. Across KS3, pupils are encouraged to think critically, ask big questions, and reflect on how beliefs influence values and actions in the modern world.
History
At KS3, students study a range of historical events from a Welsh, British and worldwide perspective. Year 7 students study life in medieval times with a focus on how Wales was ruled during this time and how that affected different parts of life. Year 8 study the Swansea area and how this affected by the Industrial Revolution. They also start to look at the impact of the British Empire and World War I. Year 9 study a 'Century of Conflict' and focus on major historical events in the 20th century. This includes the rise of Nazi Germany, America in the 1920s and World War II. There is a focus on understanding causes and consequences, source evaluation and interpretation of events across the whole of KS3.
Geography
At KS3, students explore a range of geographical themes from local, national, and global perspectives. In Year 7, they study Wales, the Gower Peninsula, and Africa, developing core skills such as map reading and fieldwork while examining physical landscapes and human interactions. Year 8 focuses on tropical rainforests, population and migration, and China as a case study of rapid development. In Year 9, students investigate crime and conflict from a geographical perspective, plate tectonics and natural hazards, and the impact of globalisation on economies, cultures, and environments. Throughout KS3, there is an emphasis on enquiry skills, interpreting data and maps, and understanding the interconnections between people, places, and environments.
Key Stage Four – Years 10 and 11
All pupils at Pentrehafod School study Religion, Value and Ethics through the Agored Cymru - Exploring Worldviews qualification. This is a Level 2 qualification which is completed through coursework and no written examination.
Qualifications Offered and Examination Boards:
Year 9 students can opt for the following Humanities subjects at GCSE level. These GCSE qualifications follow the WJEC specification.
GCSE History
GCSE Geography