At Grove House we intend that our pupils will........

develop an understanding of the world around them and their place within it, interacting respectfully and successfully with others so that they become good citizens. 

Humanities is studied throughout Key Stages 2, 3 and 4.  In KS2 it is covered within 1 Topic Lesson a week, KS3 and 4 have 1 Humanities lesson each week and focus on a different subject within this each term. 

At Grove House, Humanities is not an accredited subject - the curriculum topics are based on the National Curriculum Programmes of Study for History and Geography, the Non-Statutory Guidance for Religious Education in English Schools and the Essex Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.  We have sought to look at topics that will both interest and engage our students and be useful in supporting their understanding of themselves, their local area and the world in which they live rather than covering every aspect of the subject in depth.  Where possible we endeavour to complement our topics and enrich their understanding through visitors and trips linked to the curriculum.

To support this approach, we use Blooms as a loose framework for extending pupils’ skills and thinking around the subject matter so they develop their learning skills and ability to understand, make connections and work at greater depth rather than simply acquiring a body of knowledge. 

Within each topic there are opportunities to develop their language skills and ability to communicate effectively and work with others through the structure of the activities, the opportunities for discussion in different contexts and to do this in an appropriate and respectful way.  The objectives spiral through each Key Stage so that students get the opportunity to build on and generalise each skill. 

We assess and monitor individual student’s progress from Key Stages 2-4 through the use of the History, Geography and RE statements within BSquared Progression Steps.