Beliefs and Values

The studying of Beliefs and Values at Brewood CE Middle Academy:

• provokes challenging questions about the meaning and purpose of life, beliefs, the self, issues of right and wrong, and what it means to be human. It develops pupils’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity, other principal religions, and religious traditions that examine these questions, fostering personal reflection and spiritual development
• encourages pupils to explore their own beliefs (whether they are religious or non-religious), in the light of what they learn, as they examine issues of religious belief and faith and how these impact on personal, institutional and social ethics; and to express their responses. This also builds resilience to anti-democratic or extremist narratives
• enables pupils to build their sense of identity and belonging, which helps them flourish within their communities and as citizens in a diverse society
• teaches pupils to develop respect for others, including people with different faiths and beliefs, and helps to challenge prejudice
• prompts pupils to consider their responsibilities to themselves and to others, and to explore how they might contribute to their communities and to wider society. It encourages empathy, generosity and compassion.

A typical Humanities lesson will start with greeting and welcoming the class.

The learning objectives of the lesson are introduced and a challenging key question for the lesson will be discussed.

Through a range of different activities, pupils’ progress and understanding will be assessed during the lesson. Pupils are encouraged to share their views and opinions openly in Humanities lessons to develop a sense of self and awareness of the world around them.

Homework is set via big projects on a termly basis across the Humanities Department – enabling pupils to study topics in more depth and using different creative outlets.

·      Children in Years 5 and 6 have two 55 minute timetabled lessons of History or Geography a week – with this swapping on a termly basis.
·      Children in Years 7 and 8 have one 55 minute timetabled lesson of History and Geography a week.
·      All children in Years 5, 6, 7 and 8 have one timetabled lesson of Beliefs and Values a week.

All pupils will experience a wide variety of teaching and learning styles and will be able to study Humanities using the following:
–       Role play, drama
–       Thinking skills tasks
–       Independent study and enquiry
–       Production of display work
–       Group activities
–       Extended homework projects
–       The use of ICT
–       Site visits
–       Examination of artefacts and historical images

Purpose of Study – Beliefs and Values

All children need to acquire core knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and practices of the religions and worldviews which not only shape their history and culture but which guide their own development.
The modern world needs young people who are sufficiently confident in their own beliefs and values that they can respect the religious and cultural differences of others, and contribute to a cohesive and compassionate society.

Pupils are assessed continually throughout the year and provided with whole class feedback, individual feedback, marking and assessment tasks. Assessment grids are used to show pupils the different stages of development there are and how they can continue to progress and improve their understanding.

Pupils are confident with self and peer assessment and know how to set themselves targets to improve their work.

In KS2, pupils are mainly assessed through teacher assessment.

In KS3, pupils are assessed through teacher assessment, mini assessments within each unit and end of year assessments.

Departmental links – The Humanities and English Department work closely to ensure clear links within literacy are established across the Humanities subjects. In KS3 at the start of each topic key spellings are introduced to pupils to ensure key words are established and embedded. Key points of literacy focus are identified within the department and techniques used by the English department have been shared and are used within Humanities lessons to ensure continuity across the school.

Links within the Trust – St Mary’s CE First School and Brewood CE Middle Academy work closely to share good practice and the Spiritual Ambassador group at Brewood are developing these links – by visiting our First school and taking lead roles in activities based around Christian festivals such as Easter.

Links with our local community and environment – The Humanities Department has set up an annual challenge for our Y8 students – the Climate Enterprise Award. Pupils work in lessons and outside of school to develop a project to help improve our school environment and make the world a better and safer place. Volunteers from the local community and federation judge the Climate Enterprise Award with the winning group’s proposal is implemented within the school grounds.

Extra-curricular – Visits are seen as a vital part of the Humanities Department in expanding pupils’ experiences and knowledge of the wider world. In KS2 pupils experience enrichment days – spending a day in the life of a Victorian and during the Blitz. Year 6 are lucky enough to have a VR experience on the Mayans this year – bringing ancient civilisations back to life. Year 7 take part in off-site fieldwork studies and Year 8 attend an experience at the Black Country Living Museum.

Diversity – Here are Brewood we believe the Humanities subjects teach empathy, cultural awareness, cultural competence, and how to communicate clearly — both in a written form and orally. A wide range of subjects, cultures and faiths are explored to ensure we develop and nurture respectful, resilient and caring global citizens.

At BMA we are committed to promoting equal opportunities irrespective of socio-economic background, gender, disability and ethnicity in all areas of the curriculum. We believe all children should have access to and participation in the learning of the Humanities subjects and to be supported in this process.

The subject leader is responsible for the planning and coordinating of the Humanities curriculum. The subject leader also:

• Plans collective worship across the school for all pupils on a daily basis.
• Coordinates the Spiritual Ambassadors team to encourage all pupils to have a voice.
• Works with the LDBE advisors closely.
• Attends Humanities Middle School network meetings to share good practice.
• Supports colleagues in their teaching, by keeping them informed of new developments.
• Writes a subject development plan each year informed by the whole school development plan.
• Attends specialist courses and ensures content is disseminated to staff.