Humanities
“History is from the Ancient Greek, meaning literally ‘investigate’.” Arnold Toynbee
Ancient History at Hillview School for Girls focuses on helping pupils understand the cultural and social impact of historical events on today’s world.
Students develop a variety of skills, including research, communication, source analysis, judgment, and the ability to construct compelling arguments. These skills are transferable and will benefit them not only in other areas of the curriculum but also in their future careers.
In Key Stage 3, pupils examine the differences between community and city lifestyles, with a concentrated study of Sparta and Athens.
In Key Stage 4, students deepen their understanding of key historical figures and their significant influence on shaping the world we know today.
“Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future.” Michael Palin
Studying Geography is akin to embarking on a journey across the tapestry of our world. It empowers us to decipher the intricate patterns that shape our environment. At Hillview School, Geography is taught by passionate subject specialists who bring an unwavering commitment to the curriculum, inspiring students with their enthusiasm and expertise.
In Geography at Hillview, students delve into the forces that have molded both our physical landscapes and human societies. They confront the pressing challenges that arise from our own impact on the planet, fostering a deep awareness of our responsibilities as global citizens.
Geography transforms students into explorers, igniting their curiosity about the world around them. To support this adventurous spirit, the Geography Department organizes a variety of enriching trips tailored to each year group. Students can experience the beauty of nature on day excursions to the tranquil London Wetlands Centre and the bustling London Olympic Site. Furthermore, the department offers unforgettable residential trips to captivating UK locales like Norfolk, as well as thrilling international expeditions to far-flung destinations such as China and Malta, opening up a world of discovery and learning.
“If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday” Pearl Buck
At Hillview School for Girls, History is taught by dedicated subject specialists who are passionate about the curriculum they deliver. The study of History equips students with valuable transferable skills, including analysis, evaluation, research, and communication, which will help them reach their potential in future careers.
History is an ideal subject for challenging students of all abilities. It engages them with key topics and provides a variety of activities that encourage exploration of their own potential. Moreover, History is not just about examining the past; it prepares students for today's world by helping them understand how our present circumstances came to be.
In Key Stage 3, we offer a club that allows students to study topics of personal interest. This encourages discussion of broader issues and fosters an understanding of how historical events influence both our current society and the future.
History is part of the Key Stage 3 Humanities rotation, creating numerous cross-curricular opportunities. Past trips have included visits to World War One battlefield sites in France and Belgium, which enable students to deepen their understanding of significant events in our recent history.
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” St. Augustine
The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Travel and Tourism explores the objectives, products, and services offered by various travel and tourism organizations. It covers their use of consumer technologies, the characteristics of tourist destinations, how these organizations meet customer needs and preferences, and the factors that influence global travel and tourism.
The course is divided into three components:
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Travel and Tourism Organisation destinations (Pearson set assignment)
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Customer Needs in Travel and Tourism (Pearson set assignment)
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Influences on Global Travel (External assessment)
Students explore the goals of travel and tourism organizations, examining how different organizations collaborate and the various types of travel and tourism offerings. They analyze the characteristics that make destinations appealing to visitors and the different travel routes available. Additionally, students study how organizations conduct market research to identify travel and tourism trends and understand customer needs and preferences.
The external examination covers factors that may influence global travel and tourism, as well as how organizations and destinations respond to these factors. It also investigates the potential impacts of tourism on destinations worldwide and how these destinations can manage the effects of tourism, ensuring sustainable development in the industry.
“I think, therefore I am.” Descartes
Religious Studies involve more than just examining activities in places of worship. They provide students with a deeper understanding of various beliefs, enabling them to form informed opinions about the world around them.
At Key Stage 3, we offer a film club where students can explore questions raised by current films. We also support and promote Curious and XTB, clubs run by Cross-Teach, an external organization.
Religious Studies are part of the Key Stage 3 Humanities curriculum, which leads to numerous cross-curricular opportunities and projects. To enhance students’ learning, we include trips as part of the program. In the past, these trips have included visits to the Sikh Gurdwara in Gravesend and the London Central Mosque.
