Humanities

Humanities in Junior School

It is an exciting time in our Junior School Humanities classes as we are beginning our History studies. For our Year 7 students it is their first foray into History and they will be studying Ancient Civilisations.

“This semester in History I am excited to learn about Ancient Greece because interesting things like the Olympics were created there” – Curtis Smith

“In History, I am looking forward to learning about ancient history, especially the Greeks” William Duncan

As you can see, our students are looking forward to what the term will bring.

Our Year 8 students will be learning all about Medieval History. The following are some facts that they have discovered as part of their lessons.

Pheasants are birds that were eaten during the Middle Ages

The poor lives in houses that had a hole in the roof to let out smoke and other fumes

During winter, animals lived inside 

One-third of the population was killed due to the Black Death

The majority of people were peasants and lived on a manor – they had different roles at the manor

The king was the top of the hierarchy

The only religion followed in Europe was Catholicism for much of the Medieval time – and at times it was more powerful and influential than the king!

The students are engaging well with their studies, culminating in a research task on the Black Death, how it spread into Europe, how it was treated, and what were the consequences of the Black Death. Included are photos of our students analysing and comparing the living conditions of the rich and poor. 

Students in Year 9 have begun their history studies with a unit on the Industrial Revolution. We are exploring the impacts of the Industrial Revolution (both positive and negative) and investigate the use of child labour during the Industrial Revolution. This will lead into a unit on WW1, which the students are very much looking forward to.                                                                     

Mrs Aoife Lee

Humanities Leader