“History is from the Ancient Greek, meaning literally ‘investigate’.” Arnold Toynbee
Ancient History at Hillview School for Girls works at developing pupils’ understanding of both the cultural and social impact that events from thousands of years ago can have on the world today.
Pupils develop a range of skills such as research, communication, source analysis, judgement and the ability to construct a good argument: all fully transferable skills which will help them become successful in other areas of the curriculum as well as developing successful careers in the future.
At Key Stage 3 pupils focus on looking at the contrast between community and city lifestyles with focused study on Sparta and Athens.
At Key Stage 4 pupils develop an understanding of key individuals and the impact they have on shaping the world we know today.
“Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future.” Michael Palin
Learning about Geography is learning about the world. Geography allows us to make sense of the world. Geography at Hillview School is taught by subject specialists with clear dedication and passion for the curriculum they deliver. In Geography at Hillview, students explore what has shaped our physical and human environment and the threats that we face from our actions.
Geography allows us to be explorers of the world. To facilitate this, the Geography Department offers many trips for each year group. Examples include day trips to the London Wetlands Centre and the London Olympic Site. The department also runs residential visits to UK destinations such as Norfolk and International destinations such as China and Malta.
“If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday” Pearl Buck
History at Hillview School for Girls is taught by subject specialists with clear dedication and passion for the curriculum they deliver. History provides many transferable skills, such as analysis, evaluation, research and communication skills to help pupils reach their potential throughout their future careers.
It is an ideal subject to allow for stretch and challenge of students of all abilities, engaging with key topics and allowing them, through a variety of activities, to explore their own potential.
History is much more than looking at the past: it clearly prepares students for the world they live in today by helping them to understand how that world came about.
At Key Stage 3 we offer a club which enables students to study areas of their own interest, prompting them to discuss wider issues and develop an understanding of how the past impacts on both the now and the future of tomorrow.
History forms part of the Key Stage 3 Humanities rotation, leading to many cross-curricular opportunities.
Trips in the past have included visits to the World War One battlefield sites in France and Belgium, enabling students to extend their understanding of a significant event in our recent past.
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” St. Augustine
The Leisure and Tourism curriculum allows students to investigate the fastest growing industry in the United Kingdom. By studying Leisure and Tourism, students develop an understanding of the different aspects that make up this fascinating industry. In addition, students learn valuable skills for employment, which include customer service, presentation skills, time management and research. The sustainability of the Leisure and Tourism industries is a key theme and students explore the impact of travel on the environment and local populations.
The Leisure and Tourism department offers a number of trips for students to experience the industry first hand. In the past these have included visits to Thorpe Park, Leeds Castle and residential visits to Disneyland Paris.
“I think, therefore I am.” Descartes
Religious Studies go beyond simply looking at what happens in a place of worship. They provide students with an enhanced understanding of what others believe so that they themselves can develop informed opinions on the world around them.
At Key Stage 3 we offer a film club where students have the opportunity to explore questions arising from current films.
We support and promote Curious and XTB, clubs run by Cross-Teach, an external agency.
Religious Studies form part of the Key Stage 3 Humanities rotation, leading to many cross-curricular opportunities and projects.
Trips are included to enhance students’ learning. In the past these have included a visit to the Sikh Gurdwara in Gravesend and The London Central Mosque.