Geography enables students to explore the world around them and in doing so to reach a more informed view of their place in that world. It emphasises the interconnectedness and globalisation of the world we now live in and attempts to stay abreast of the rapid changes to our ‘global village’.

At the Henslow School, Geography intends to develop informed citizens who can respect and celebrate difference because they understand the rich variety in the world, through their exploration of natural and built environments and those that inhabit them. Students are encouraged to develop an appreciation of the distinctive landscapes around them as well as to hone their map skills and a willingness to question and interrogate data.

Geography is all about creating young adults who can ask questions and explore the planet they live on, becoming informed consumers and respectful citizens, with a desire to safeguard their planet.

History has a significant role in the curriculum by not only developing an understanding of how the society we live in came to be, but providing a better knowledge of the world in which we live. Having a secure knowledge of the past can help students to not only contextualise the present, but allow them to learn from it, so their future can be improved upon. As Edmund Burke once postulated: ‘Those who don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it.”

The KS3 History curriculum at The Henslow School aims to stimulate interest and curiosity by illuminating how Britain has both influenced and been influenced by the wider world, as students focus on key events in time which have defined the way we live today. Students will explore and understand the earliest periods to the present day by: deepening their chronologically strong sense of British, local and world history; using and interpreting primary and secondary sources; assessing evidence and comparing conflicting interpretations of events to engage students in debate.

Units of work are taught over a half-termly basis and are drawn from the sequential themes:  control in the Middle Ages; the Renaissance; Revolution and Reformation; Industry and Empire and War and Independence.

Our History syllabus inspires pupils to achieve greater perspective and judgement and understand the complexity of people’s lives, how society has evolved and as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.

Religious Studies provides an important learning experience for students at the Henslow School by helping them to understand the world around them.

In today’s society, where communities are becoming increasingly diverse, there is an even greater need for a more religiously literate and tolerant society. Religious Studies plays a key role in our curriculum by creating social cohesion and generating genuine understanding between communities, reducing friction, intolerance and social unrest.

Our students are challenged with questions about belief, values, meaning, purpose and truth, enabling them to develop their own values and attitudes towards varied religious issues. Religious Studies encourages philosophical thought, decision making skills, collaboration and independent working skills. It also creates opportunities for students to develop their skills of dialogue, interpretation and analysis in a coherent context. All of these are vital skills in a modern workforce where communication, collaboration and cooperation are core skills.

Religious Studies allows students to leave with a legacy of balanced decision making, the ability to compromise and resolve conflicts, as well as providing them with a greater wisdom and moral compass to apply in everyday life.