Humanities
Humanities Faculty
Welcome to Humanities at Ysgol Bryn Alyn
"The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future."
Theodore Roosevelt
The Humanities Faculty at Ysgol Bryn Alyn inspires students to understand the world around them, explore the past, engage with contemporary issues and develop the skills needed to become informed, ethical and ambitious citizens.
Through the study of History, Geography, Religion, Values and Ethics (RVE) and Skills Challenge, students investigate the complex relationships between people, places, environments, beliefs and societies. Learners are encouraged to think critically, ask meaningful questions and develop informed viewpoints about local, national and global issues.
Our curriculum reflects the four purposes of the Curriculum for Wales and provides exciting opportunities for learners to become:
Ambitious, capable learners
Enterprising, creative contributors
Ethical, informed citizens
Healthy, confident individuals
Through enquiry-based learning, discussion, investigation and independent research, students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to understand the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
Our Vision
A Humanities learner at Ysgol Bryn Alyn:
Is curious about the world and its people.
Understands the importance of learning from the past.
Appreciates different beliefs, cultures and perspectives.
Uses evidence to form balanced judgements.
Develops empathy, respect and tolerance.
Thinks critically about local, national and global issues.
Communicates ideas confidently and effectively.
Is prepared to play an active role in society.
We strive to create reflective learners who are equipped to make informed decisions and contribute positively to their communities.
Meet the Team
Our dedicated Humanities team are passionate about helping learners understand the world, question assumptions and develop informed perspectives.
Faculty Staff
Miss Griffiths
Head of Humanities Faculty / History Teacher
Mrs Roberts
History Teacher
Mr Jones
Geography Teacher
Mr Beddoes
Geography Teacher
Mrs Hennessey
Religion, Values and Ethics Teacher
Mr Lockhart
Religion, Values and Ethics Teacher
Together, the team provides specialist expertise across the Humanities disciplines and delivers engaging learning experiences that inspire curiosity and ambition.
Subjects Within Humanities
Geography
Geography helps students understand the physical and human processes that shape our world. Learners investigate environmental issues, global development, sustainability, climate change and the relationships between people and places.
Students develop fieldwork, analytical, mapping and decision-making skills whilst exploring real-world challenges that affect communities across Wales and beyond.
Key Themes
Climate change and sustainability
Natural hazards
Globalisation
Population and migration
Development and inequality
Landscapes and ecosystems
Resource management
Environmental futures
History
History enables students to understand how past events have shaped the modern world. Learners investigate significant individuals, events and movements that have influenced Britain, Wales and the wider world.
Students learn to analyse evidence, evaluate interpretations and construct well-reasoned arguments based on historical sources.
Key Themes
Welsh history and identity
Conflict and cooperation
Political change
Human rights
Migration and diversity
Medicine and society
Leadership and power
The impact of war
Religion, Values and Ethics (RVE)
RVE encourages learners to explore religious beliefs, ethical issues and philosophical questions. Students examine a range of worldviews and consider how beliefs influence individuals, communities and societies.
Lessons promote respectful discussion, critical thinking and an understanding of diversity.
Key Themes
Christianity and world religions
Ethics and morality
Human rights
Relationships and identity
Social justice
Peace and conflict
Poverty and wealth
Belief, meaning and purpose
Learners are encouraged to develop their own informed views whilst respecting the opinions and beliefs of others.
Skills Challenge
Skills Challenge provides opportunities for learners to apply and develop essential skills across a range of real-world contexts.
Students engage in collaborative projects, enterprise activities, research tasks and community-based learning experiences which develop:
Leadership
Independent enquiry
Problem solving
Communication
Planning and organisation
Creativity and innovation
Teamwork
Reflective learning
These transferable skills support success across the curriculum and prepare learners for future education, training and employment.
Curriculum Journey
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
Our Humanities curriculum is built around engaging enquiry questions that encourage students to investigate the world through different lenses.
Year 7: Discover
Who are we and where do we belong?
Students explore:
Wales and Welsh identity
Local history
Mapping and geographical skills
The natural world
Beliefs and values
Communities and belonging
Year 8: Explore
How have people shaped the world and how has the world shaped people?
Students investigate:
Historical change and significance
Global cultures and diversity
Population and migration
Ethical decision making
Environmental challenges
Human rights
Year 9: Understand
How can we create a better future?
Students examine:
Globalisation
Climate change
Conflict and peace
Justice and equality
Sustainability
Contemporary world issues
Throughout KS3, learners develop disciplinary knowledge whilst strengthening literacy, numeracy and digital competence.
Key Stage 4 Pathways
At KS4, students can specialise through qualifications that deepen their understanding and prepare them for further study and employment.
WJEC GCSE Geography
The new WJEC Geography specification develops understanding of contemporary geographical issues through the study of physical and human environments.
Students investigate:
Changing landscapes
Weather and climate
Development and resource management
Global citizenship
Sustainability
Fieldwork enquiries
Learners develop skills in data analysis, interpretation and geographical decision-making.
WJEC GCSE History
The new WJEC History qualification develops critical thinking and investigative skills through the study of significant historical periods and events.
Students:
Analyse historical sources
Evaluate interpretations
Examine causes and consequences
Construct evidence-based arguments
Explore Welsh, British and international history
The course promotes independent enquiry and analytical thinking.
WJEC GCSE Religion, Values and Ethics
The new GCSE RVE qualification allows students to explore religious, philosophical and ethical issues relevant to modern society.
Learners study:
Religious beliefs and practices
Ethical dilemmas
Contemporary issues
Human rights
Relationships and families
Social responsibility
Students develop reasoning, evaluation and critical reflection skills which support a wide range of future pathways.
Enrichment Opportunities
The Humanities Faculty provides a wide range of enrichment experiences designed to bring learning to life.
Students may have opportunities to participate in:
Historical site visits
Geography fieldwork investigations
Religious and cultural visits
National Museum visits
Castle and heritage site visits
Environmental projects
Sustainability initiatives
Guest speakers and workshops
Careers events
School and national competitions
Memorial and remembrance activities
These experiences help learners connect their classroom learning with the world around them.
Careers in Humanities
Humanities subjects develop highly transferable skills valued by employers across many sectors.
Geography Careers
Environmental Scientist
Town Planner
Surveyor
Geologist
Meteorologist
Sustainability Officer
Conservation Officer
Transport Planner
GIS Specialist
Disaster Management Officer
History Careers
Teacher
Archivist
Museum Curator
Archaeologist
Lawyer
Journalist
Civil Servant
Historian
Heritage Manager
Policy Advisor
Religion, Values and Ethics Careers
Teacher
Social Worker
Counsellor
Youth Worker
Police Officer
Community Development Officer
Charity Manager
Lawyer
Civil Service
Public Sector Leadership
Skills Developed Through Humanities
Research and investigation
Critical thinking
Communication
Analysis and evaluation
Problem solving
Presentation skills
Leadership
Decision making
Empathy and cultural awareness
Independent learning
These skills are highly valued by universities, apprenticeships and employers.
Homework and Independent Learning
Key Stage 3
Students regularly complete independent learning activities designed to extend classroom learning.
Tasks may include:
Historical research
Mapping and geographical investigations
Current affairs activities
Reading and reflection
Ethical debates
Project-based learning
Skills Challenge activities
These opportunities help students develop curiosity, independence and a deeper understanding of the world.
Key Stage 4
Students are expected to complete a minimum of one hour of independent study per subject each week.
Activities may include:
GCSE examination preparation
Retrieval practice and revision
Source analysis
Case study research
Fieldwork write-ups
Extended writing
Independent reading
Regular independent study is essential in supporting success in GCSE examinations and future progression.
Dream. Reach. Achieve.
The Humanities Faculty empowers students to understand the past, engage with the present and shape the future. Through History, Geography, Religion, Values and Ethics, and Skills Challenge, learners develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to become informed citizens and successful lifelong learners.