Humanities Vision at Dedworth Middle School 

At Dedworth Middle School, we believe young people deserve a broad, diverse, and relevant Humanities curriculum that prepares them for life in the 21st century. In line with both the National Curriculum and the Pan-Berkshire curriculum for Religious Education, Humanities across History, Geography, and RE follows a carefully structured journey across Key Stages 2 and 3. This helps pupils see the links between subjects while understanding that the study of Humanities is a highly complex story to be told. From this story, and the experiences of others, we empower young people with the cultural capital to be confident, compassionate, and empathetic global citizens. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Concepts 

The Humanities curriculum provides pupils with a secure foundation of subject-specific knowledge and vocabulary, while also enabling them to explore key aims and concepts: 

• To develop an understanding of the world we live in through History, Geography, and RE. 

• To gain an understanding of significance by looking at key events and movements that changed Britain and the wider world. 

• To use evidence to make inferences and develop critical thinking skills. 

• To gain perspective by comparing and contrasting events, cultures, beliefs, and environments. 

• To understand concepts such as British values, morals, and beliefs, and how they interact with global perspectives. 

A Responsive and Balanced Curriculum 

To ensure that our curriculum is both relevant and engaging, all schemes of work are reviewed and evaluated annually. Progression maps ensure pupils can clearly follow how their knowledge and skills develop across KS2 and KS3. Within this, we commit to the following: 

• History: Pupils study the fight for female suffrage and its continuing legacy, especially significant following the July 2025 announcement that 16-year-olds will gain the vote. Other units help pupils explore turning points, cause and consequence, and the impact of individuals and ideas. 

• Geography: Every third KS3 unit focuses on environmental geography, enabling pupils to study climate change and the challenges of a changing planet. At KS2, pupils study Our Diverse UK using the most recent census data, gaining an appreciation of the diversity of modern Britain. Across both key stages, Geography helps pupils understand people, place, and environment, and the interconnections between them. 

• Religious Education: A balanced curriculum introduces pupils to the six major world religions, while also engaging with alternative worldviews such as Humanism and exploring non-major religions. This ensures inclusivity, broadens perspectives, and encourages pupils to respect and reflect on a wide variety of beliefs and values. 

Teaching and Learning in Humanities 

Humanities lessons are a blend of written, evaluative, and discussion-based learning. Our experienced teaching team uses a wide range of methods to ensure lessons are stimulating and rigorous while preparing pupils thoroughly for exams and coursework. 

We encourage pupils to engage in structured debate and discussion across all three disciplines — whether evaluating historical significance, exploring ethical dilemmas in RE, or debating sustainability issues in Geography. This emphasis on oracy builds students’ confidence in articulating and justifying their views, ensuring they emerge as thoughtful and articulate global citizens. 

Enrichment and Real-World Connections 

Beyond the classroom, pupils have opportunities to visit important historical sites, museums, geographical landmarks, and religious centres, as well as to hear from guest speakers in the local and wider community. These experiences deepen pupils’ appreciation of the relevance of Humanities to their own lives. 

Finally, the study of Humanities helps pupils make sense of the world around them and their place within it. The Humanities Department aims to develop global citizens with an awareness of how history, geography, and religion shape the twenty-first century. Students are consistently encouraged to connect their learning to contemporary issues, ensuring they leave DMS equipped with knowledge, skills, and values to navigate life as compassionate, critical, and responsible citizens.