Humanities

Intent: 

At Vale of Evesham School, our Humanities curriculum—delivered as “My Place in the World” (semi-formal pathway) and Humanities (formal pathway)—aims to provide all pupils with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to make sense of the world around them. 

The curriculum is ambitious and designed to be inclusive, ensuring that all pupils, regardless of need, can: 

• Develop an understanding of people, places, and time 

• Build awareness of local, national and global contexts 

• Explore beliefs, values and cultural diversity 

• Become respectful, informed and active members of society 

The curriculum reflects pupil voice, with our High School cohort prioritising Humanities over Modern Foreign Languages, enabling deeper engagement with real-world understanding. 

Implementation: 

The curriculum is coherently planned and sequenced across Key Stages, incorporating History, Geography and Religious Education (RE). It is adapted through a multi-sensory, experiential and skills-based approach to meet the diverse learning needs of our pupils. 

History 

• Pupils develop knowledge of the past through hands-on experiences, including artefact handling and educational visits 

• Learning focuses on chronology, change, and significant people/events 

• Content is carefully scaffolded to support understanding of how the past influences the present 

Geography 

• Pupils explore their local environment and the wider world, building real-life connections 

• Fieldwork and visits are integral, allowing pupils to observe, experience and apply learning in context 

• Teaching develops understanding of place, environment and human impact 

Religious Education (RE) 

• Delivered in line with the Worcestershire Agreed Syllabus 

• Ensures all pupils receive RE “as far as is practicable” and meet statutory expectations 

• Structured into one unit per term, complemented by the study of key religious festivals 

• Pupils explore beliefs, practices and worldviews, supporting spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development 

Across all areas: 

• Teaching is adapted to meet individual needs through personalised learning strategies 

• Opportunities for overlearning, repetition and real-life application are embedded 

• The curriculum is enriched through visits, visitors and sensory experiences 

Impact: 

The curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils: 

• Know more, remember more and can apply their learning in meaningful contexts 

• Develop communication, enquiry and thinking skills appropriate to their level 

• Demonstrate respect and understanding of different cultures, beliefs and communities 

• Gain increased confidence, independence and self-awareness 

Pupils leave Vale of Evesham School with a stronger understanding of their place in the world, equipped to contribute positively to a cohesive, respectful and compassionate society. 

History and Geography
	Semi-formal	Formal
FS1	2 topic days per half term
FS2	2 topic days per half term
FS3	2 topic days per half term	60 mins
HS1	2 topic days per half term	60 mins
HS2	2 topic days per half term	60 mins (option dependent)
Strand 6	N/A to this age range.
In FS1- HS2 (semi formal) history and geography are delivered as 2 topic days per half term.  In HS1-HS2 (formal), history and geography are swapped on a half termly basis.  In HS2 (formal), as part of the options available, students can choose if history and/ or geography is something they would like to study.

RE (Weekly Timing)
	Semi-formal	Formal
FS1	30 mins (and  5 RE days)
FS2	30 mins (and 5 RE days)
FS3	30 mins (and 5 RE days)	60 mins (and 2 RE days) or 30 mins (and 5  RE days)
HS1	30 mins (and 5 RE days)	60 mins (and 2 RE days) or 30 mins (and 5  RE days)
HS2	30 mins (and 5 RE days)	60 mins and 2 RE days) or 30 mins (and 4  RE days)
Strand 6	N/A to this age range, although actively participate in whole school RE days
Worcestershire’s Agreed Syllabus states that RE should be given the following weighting in each Key Stage:  FS1- 35 hours annually  FS2/ FS3- 45 hours annually  HS1- 45 hours annually  HS2- 35 hours annually  At VOES we meet these requirements through a mixture of weekly lessons and whole school RE enhancement days.