Introduction to Department
The Humanities Department plays an important role in equipping pupils for adult life. It is concerned with people and how they live, with their relationships with each other and the environment and how human action and belief, now and in the past, have influenced events and conditions.
The Humanities Department consists of five subjects:
Geography
History
Religious Studies
Personal, Social Education
Tourism Diploma
Staffing & Responsibilities
Staff MemberDepartmental ResponsibilityAdditional ResponsibilityMrs J. JarvisHead of Department
Teacher of Geography
Teacher of Tourism DiplomaSustainable Development Co-ordinatorMr. J. PowellTeacher of Geography
Teacher of the Tourism Diploma
Assistant HeadMr. R. DennisTeacher of Religious Studies
Teacher of Welsh BaccalaureateMr. C. McKibbenTeacher of HistoryMr. J. MoranTeacher of Religious Studies
Teacher of Welsh Baccalaureate
Teacher of GeographySecond in Charge – Welsh BaccalaureateMr. R. MusgroveTeacher of Religious Studies
Teacher of Public ServicesCitizenship/PSE Co-ordinatorMr. N. ReesTeacher of HistoryMr. M. RichardsonTeacher of Religious Studies
Teacher of Public Services
Teacher of GeographyAbout KS3
Geography
"I do not know what I may seem to the world, but to myself I seem to have been only like a small boy playing on the seashore and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell then ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me."
Sir Isaac newton
Our aim is to provide excellence in Geography teaching. The study of Geography leads to a greater understanding of the world in which we live, and it is our aim to develop a questioning and independent approach in students. In addition to developing subject-specific skills we aim to develop more general skills of decision-making, problem-solving and skills of synthesis and analysis.
Key Stage 3 Topics Include: Weather, Sustainable Development, Map skills, Rivers, Italy, Tectonics, Development, Population, Industry and Tourism.
History
"History is a relentless master. It has no present, only the past rushing into the future. To try to hold fast is to be swept aside."
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Just as popular interest in the past has arguably never been greater, so History at Ysgol Bryn Elian has flourished. The History Department aims to build knowledge, develop skills and enhance understanding of the world around us – and to make studying the past accessible, stimulating and fun!
Key Stage 3 Topics Include: Britain in 1066, The Medieval Period, Reformation and Monarchy, Industrial Revolution, The British Empire and World War I & II.
Religious Studies
"There are more things in heaven and earth , Than are dreamt of in your philosophy"
William Shakespeare, “Hamlet”. Act 1 Scene 5
The Religious Studies Department aims to help pupils develop their understanding of themselves and of the role of religion in the modern world, and to prepare them for the moral, ethical and spiritual challenges of the future. Religious Studies is about education for life, and the education of the whole person. Our ultimate intent is that pupils should learn to question and think for themselves and so be assisted in growing towards a true maturity.
Key Stage 3 Topics Include: An introduction to Christianity, An introduction to Buddhism, An introduction to Sikhism, Religion in Wales, Festivals and Celebrations, Religious Buildings, Rites of Passage and An Introduction to Judaism.
PSE
"No one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy. Rather, both are processes that continue to evolve over a lifetime. Young people must be included from birth. A society that cuts off from its youth severs its lifeline."
Kofi Annan
The overall aims of education for personal and social development are to assist the individual to develop qualities of self-esteem, respect, and care for others, positive attitudes, a commitment to learning for life, a sense of belonging to society and confidence in coping with life in a changing world.
Key Stage 3 Topics Include: Bullying, Healthy Lifestyles: Diet & Exercise, Healthy Lifestyles: Smoking, Law Making, Charities, Conservation Issues, Fair Trade Issues, Multiculturalism, Human Rights etc.
About KS4
Geography GCSE
Geography is a multi-disciplinary integrative subject. The study of geography looks at a range of physical and human environments and their interaction by examining their changing patterns. It requires the development of an intellectual, scientific, social, moral and aesthetic understanding of the world in which we live.
What will I Study?
The WJEC Geography G.C.S.E. is divided into 3 units:
Unit 1: Changing Physical and Human Landscapes
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes (40% of qualification)
Section A: Core Themes
Two structured, data response questions assessing Landscapes & Physical Processes (Rivers, Coasts etc.) and Rural-urban Links.
Section B: Options
One structured question assessing Coastal Hazards and their Management.
Unit 2: Environmental and Development Issues
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes (40% of qualification)
Section A: Core Themes
Two structured, data response questions assessing Weather, Climate & Ecosystems and Development and Resource Issues.
Section B: Options
One structured question (from a choice of two) assessing either Social Development Issues or Environmental Challenges.
Unit 3: Fieldwork Enquiry
Non-examination assessment: 2 hours 30 minutes (20% of qualification)
Unit 3 requires a written report from the learner, to include evidence of their understanding of the enquiry process and their independent ability to process/present data and complete extended writing. The report must be written in response to specific questions set by WJEC.
History GCSE
History is the study of past peoples and their societies. The aim of the G.C.S.E. History course is to enable candidates to understand the principles and concepts of the past. The course selected is the WJEC G.C.S.E. History Course.
Course content:
The WJEC History course focuses on the history of the twentieth century; modern world history. The course divides into four units:
Conflict in the Modern World - World War I
Britain Depression, War, and Recovery 1930- 1951
USA 1910 -1929 – A Nation of Contrasts
Crime and punishment 1500 –present day
Assessment:
The course is assessed by examination and the coursework element.
Paper 1 – Britain Depression, War, and Recovery 1930- 1951
Paper 2 USA 1910 -1929 – A Nation of Contrasts
Paper 3 – Crime and punishment 1500 –present day
Coursework: Two assignments (World War I and Britain)
Religious Studies Short Course GCSE
As part of KS4, all pupils will study Religious Studies for one lesson a week. Pupils will be encouraged to develop their self – confidence, to take responsibilities, to take part in discussions and also to make the most of their abilities.
Pupils will also encouraged to recognise the different cultures and beliefs that exist in the United Kingdom today.
Pupils will be studying a varied and wide range of topics covering moral, ethical and philosophical issues
About KS5
Geography- GCE AS/A level
This course is for students who have a keen interest in studying Geography and who want to study the subject at university or college level and/or as preparation for future employment and the world of work. This course will develop skills that can be transferred to other subjects and enrich learners’ academic development.
What will I study on the course?
AS Unit 1
Changing Coastal Landscapes
Tectonic Hazards
AS Unit 2
Changing Places
Fieldwork Investigation in Physical and Human Geography
A2 Unit 3
Global Systems (Water and Carbon Cycles)
Global Governance: Changes and Challenges (Migration, 21st Century Challenges)
A2 Unit 4
Tectonic Hazards
Contemporary Themes in Geography (Ecosystems, Economic Growth, Energy & Climate)
A2 Unit 5
Independent Investigation
History GCE AS/A Level
This course is for students who have a keen interest in studying History and who want to study the subject at university or college level and/or as preparation for future employment and the world of work. This course will develop skills that can be transferred to other subjects and will enrich learners’ academic development.
What will I study on the course?
AS Unit 1
Wales and England, 1880-1980 (Political, Economic and Social Change)
AS Unit 2
Weimar Germany, 1919-1933 (Challenges facing the new democracy; Work of Gustav Stresemann; The Rise of the Nazis)
A2 Unit 3
British Politics, 1780-1880 (Parliamentary Reform and Popular Protest)
A2 Unit 4
Nazi Germany, 1933-45(Nazi State; Racial and Social Policies; Opposition to Nazism; War and Defeat)
A2 Unit 5
Coursework Topic – Lions Led by Donkeys: British Army in WW1
Religious Studies GCE AS/A level
This course is for students who have a keen interest in studying Religious Studies and who want to study the subject at university or college level and/ or as preparation for future employment and the world of work. This course will develop skills that can be transferred to other subjects and enrich learners’ academic development.
What will I study on the course?
AS Unit 1
This unit offers the choice of the study of one religion from a choice of six. There will be four themes within each option: religious figures and sacred texts; religious concepts; religious life; and religious practices.
AS Unit 2
Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics. Students will study philosophers’ views on the teleological argument for the existence of God and the problem of evil and suffering for religious believers. Learners will also study the work of Aquinas, Fletcher and the concept of Utilitarianism. Situation ethics and Natural law.
A2 Unit 3
Learners will study the work of Freud, Jung and Hume in detail. Topics include religion and the human mind, religious language and religious experience.
A2 Unit 4
Learners will study meta ethics, deontological ethics, natural law, free will and determinism.
WJEC Applied Certificate and Diploma in Tourism
This course is for students who have a keen interest in studying Travel and Tourism and who want to study the subject at university or college level and/ or as preparation for future employment and the world of work. This course will develop skills that can be transferred to other subjects and enrich learners’ academic and vocational development.
What will I study on the course?
AS Unit 1
The United Kingdom Tourism Product (Externally assessed 25% of Certificate)
Understand what the United Kingdom offers to inbound and domestic tourists
Appreciate the range of employment opportunities available in the tourism industry.
AS Unit 2
Worldwide Tourism Destinations (Internally assessed 25% of Certificate)
All tourism destinations have a range of attractions and facilities
Destinations acquire an image and reputation that affects the types of tourists to whom they appeal.
A2 Unit 3
The Dynamic Tourism Industry (Externally assessed 25% of Certificate)
Tourism is an ever-changing industry, which has to adapt quickly to external pressures and changes in society at the national and global scale.
A2 Unit 4
Event and Itinerary (Internally assessed 25% of Certificate)
Understand the process of event management and the nature of tour itineraries within the UK.
A little bit about Careers involving this subject
What can I do next with these qualification?
Humanities GCE AS/A level or Diplomas provides a suitable foundation for the study of Humanities Subjects or a related area through a range of higher education courses or direct entry into employment.
Useful Websites
Full Course details for the GCSE and GCE subjects provided by the Humanities Department can be found on the WJEC website
