Curriculum

Humanities

The Humanities Faculty comprises Geography, History, Religious Education, Citizenship and Leisure and Tourism.

Geography

All students study Geography at Key Stage Three.  Students are given the opportunity to develop their interest in their surroundings and in the variety of human and physical conditions on the Earth’s surface.  Their sense of wonder at the beauty of the world around them is fostered.  The course helps them to develop an informed concern about the quality of the environment and the future of the human habitat thereby enhancing their sense of responsibility for the care of the earth and its people.

Key Stage Three (Years 7,8 and 9)

Students are taught in sets according to their ability in Years 7 and 9 and in tutor groups (mixed ability) in Year 8.  Over the course of the Key Stage students investigate a wide range of people, places and environments at different scales around the world. They carry out their own geographical enquiries into topics such as ‘Changing Shopping Patterns’ and ‘The Future of the Rainforest Ecosystem’.  They experience learning both in and outside the classroom, including a visit to the River Tees and a working farm in Year 7.  Activities within the classroom are planned to use a range of investigative and problem-solving skills and resources, including different types of maps, atlases, aerial photographs, texts and ICT.

Students complete an assessment each half term and their levels of achievement help to inform their teacher-assessed levels on their interim and annual reports.

Key Stage Four (Years 10 and 11)

Geography is an option subject at KS4. Students who decide to choose to study geography follow the OCR Geography Specification B (Avery Hill). Where possible students are grouped according to ability. The course is assessed by two final exams (worth 75%) and two pieces of coursework (worth 25%). The course is based around four main units: Climate, the Environment and People; Water, Landforms and People; People and Place; People, Work and Development. Field visits vary, but include a visit to Runswick Bay to investigate the impact of coastal erosion.  

Leisure and Tourism

Leisure and Tourism is a Vocational GCSE offered in the options at Key Stage Four.  It is a double award worth the equivalent of two GCSEs. The overall assessment of the GCSE is based around two portfolios and one external examination.Both the examination and portfolios can be submitted in January and June of Year 11 giving the students the maximum opportunity to improve their performance and reach their potential.

The course is designed with a broad spread of content, covering the role of leisure and travel and tourism industries in society, marketing and customer service. Students investigate the marketing activities of Middlesbrough Football Club, which includes learning both in and outside the classroom. Hartlepool Historic Quay is the focus for the Customer Service portfolio. The GCSE is designed to provide a progression route to further education or employment and many students have gone on to study themes including aviation, travel and tourism and marketing.