Humanities at Hanford Prep
Hanford Prep's corner of Dorset has much to offer when it comes to teaching Humanities.
The open countryside on our doorstep is used as an extended classroom. Nearby a rich variety of museums, historic buildings, woodlands and not to mention The Jurassic coastline is used in many ways to bring the syllabus to life.
Geography
We all live geographically; planet Earth is our home. It is an awesome, diverse, inspiring and ever-changing planet.
The study of geography at Hanford is intended to stimulate an interest in, and a sense of wonder about, how our world works. Geography should inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Geography lessons develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of human geography, the physical elements of geography, the environment, sustainable development, global citizenship and other cultures.
Pupils develop a variety of skills including those of enquiry, problem solving, ICT, investigation and how to present their conclusions in the most appropriate way.
History
We aim to foster an enduring curiosity about the past and how it has shaped us.
The girls learn the rigours of source analysis and how to develop a coherent argument (on paper and in debates) alongside learning to research and explore a broad range of historical periods and perspectives. We take the girls on trips to many local sites and nationally important sites, such as the Houses of Parliament and Palace of Westminster, London art galleries and the Bristol Museums.
Written work in History aims to develop a pupils’ ability to communicate what they have learned and what they think; to support their ideas with historical evidence; and to structure their work intelligently – in other words, to develop skills they will need in the future, both in the history classroom and beyond.
Religious Studies & Philosophy
In the Lower School, the girls study the fundamentals of Christianity and Judaism, with trips to local churches and the Bournemouth Synagogue.
Years 7 and 8 follow the CE course Theology, Philosophy and Religion, which explores the beliefs and practices of the main world religions Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam and Judaism. They also study the ideas of key philosophers including Plato, David Hume, John Stuart Mill and Martin Luther King.
Girls are encouraged to develop a detailed understanding of each faith and be respectful of each others’ traditions, beliefs and ethics.
Current Affairs & PHSE
Personal, Social and Health Education (PHSE) is taught against a backdrop of current affairs.
Topical stories in the news are used as catalysts to spark discussion around a number of issues such as smoking, elections, charitable giving and fake news. Using this approach contextualises the more abstract issues of PHSE making them feel more relevant for the girls and easier to understand.
We encourage them to form their own opinions by challenging their thinking and encouraging debate.
