We are fortunate to have five dedicated and experienced Geographers enabling us to staff all lessons with specialists in the subject. We aim to stimulate students' interest in their surroundings, inspire a sense of responsibility for the environment, and increase their knowledge of the world in which we live. We also value the development of students’ personal learning and thinking skills, encouraging team work, creativity, independence and self reflection in our lessons. Assessment for and of learning is also key to learning at all Key stages.

At GCSE the examination syllabus encourages the development of fieldwork and decision-making skills. The department also runs a BTEC Travel and Tourism course. At AS and A2 level, students follow a stimulating, issue-based course.  The department organises fieldwork outside school in Years 7 10, 11, 12 & 13.

The fundamental aim of the History Department is to instill in our students a genuine curiosity about historical events, characters and periods. Students work on a range of reading and writing tasks supported by a wide variety of activities and stimulus material including drama, video, computer simulations, craft projects and fieldwork. These activities all play an important part in creating inventive and highly enjoyable lessons.

In Years 7, 8 and 9 we study a number of topics ranging from the Sioux Indians to the First World War. History is a popular option choice at key Stage 4, with many students choosing to continue studying History at GCSE. Our A/S and A2 level course concentrates on Tudor England, with Modern Russia and Germany a popular option. Many students go on to study History or a related subject at university and several have gained entrance to Oxford and Cambridge in recent years.

Throughout the school we seek to help students develop a sensitive, reflective and informed approach to the religious dimensions of life, and to instill a genuine, open-minded curiosity in the diversity of religious beliefs. There are many opportunities offered both inside and outside the classroom for students to see that Religious Studies matter. 

Our Key Stage 3 course includes themes such as Community, Origins of Religions, Founders and Leaders, Symbols, and Good and Evil. The Six world religions are covered in varying depths. Progress is assessed against the Local Authority’s Agreed Syllabus Attainment Targets and emphasis is given to acquiring skills as well as knowledge and learning from the religions we study.

At Key Stage 4 students may opt to take either full or short course GCSE Ethics, Religion and Life.  The topics are studied from the viewpoint of Christianity and Islam and a non-religious viewpoint.  Students are encouraged to give good reasoning in their answers and to build up an argument supported by evidence – whatever their personal view on the religious or moral issue.  Students are also encouraged to express their own opinions and to look at ethical questions from both sides of an argument. The course explores a range of ethical issues and various ways of expressing the Christian faith.  At Key Stage 5 students may opt to take A Level Philosophy.  At AS Level students explore themes including the Theory of Knowledge; Philosophy of Religion; Philosophy of Ethics.  At A2 Level students explore themes including Philosophy of the Mind and extracts from Descartes’ Meditations.

The Department is well-resourced, and the staff have a wealth of experience, expertise, commitment and enthusiasm. Guest speakers and visits to the various religious communities, provide students with a wider experience and perspective. We welcome contact with parents and many have enjoyed accompanying us on our outings.