Humanities

Humanities

The Humanities Area of Learning and Experience (AoLE) in the Curriculum for Wales encompasses a broad range of subjects that explore human societies, cultures, and environments. It encompasses geography, history, religion, values and ethics, business studies, and social studies. These subjects are interconnected to provide a holistic understanding of human societies, past and present.

AoLE Aims and Objectives

The Humanities Area of Learning and Experience (AoLE) in the Curriculum for Wales aims to inspire curiosity, imagination, and wisdom in learners. It addresses critical global issues such as sustainability and social change, while developing skills to interpret the past and present.

The AoLE promotes ethical and informed citizenship, helping learners explore their heritage and understand their place in Wales and the wider world which can help learners discover their heritage and develop a sense of place and cynefin. It encourages reflection on actions and their impacts, fostering democratic engagement and social responsibility.

Through various enquiry methods, learners develop critical thinking and effective communication skills. This holistic approach builds resilience, independence, and confidence, preparing learners for lifelong learning and active, fulfilling lives as valued community members.

AoLE Content

The Humanities AoLE has 5 What Matters statements:

  • Enquiry, exploration and investigation inspire curiosity about the world, its past, present and future.
  • Events and human experiences are complex, and are perceived, interpreted and represented in different ways.
  • Our natural world is diverse and dynamic, influenced by processes and human actions.
  • Human societies are complex and diverse, and shaped by human actions and beliefs.
  • Informed, self-aware citizens engage with the challenges and opportunities that face humanity and are able to take considered and ethical action.

The entire school adheres to a two-year cycle plan that enables our learners to delve into Humanities across various themes and through an integrated curriculum approach.

Our Big Questions aim to stimulate our learners to explore real-world issues and develop a deep understanding of concepts through active learning experiences. This approach aims to foster curiosity and a lifelong passion for learning.

The AoLE also aims to promote values such as respect, empathy, tolerance, and appreciation for diversity. It encourages learners to consider ethical implications and make informed decisions about global issues.

AoLE Assessment and Feedback

Assessment in the Humanities AoLE focuses on assessing learners’ understanding, skills development, and their ability to apply knowledge in various contexts. It aims to provide meaningful feedback to support continuous improvement and is reported on in the end of year reports.

AoLE Enrichment Activities

There are many opportunities to enrich experiences in this area of learning, including:

  • Theatr na nÓg
  • Oystermouth Castle
  • Places of Worship
  • Beaches
  • Caerleon
  • Castell Henllys
  • Visitors to school, for example, to talk about local history (Colin Muxworthy)
  • Links to Spanish school
  • Nature Days
  • Swansea Museum
  • Waterfront Museum
  • Copper Jack
  • Careers Day

Parent/Carer Involvement

If you have any interesting information about any of our themes, please talk to your child and share with us!